The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon has been seen testing in public, offering a clear sighting of its three-box design before it goes on sale this August.
The pre-production model seen (video below) shows toned-down styling compared with the dramatic concept revealed at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year, but the A-Class-derived aesthetic cues are visible, including a more aggressive headlight design.
The next CLA, which is due on sale in 2019, will be a sleeker-looking model that'll sit alongside the A-Class Saloon as the sportier of the two in terms of design and handling.
A Mercedes spokesman told Autocar that the models will share a similar relationship to the E-Class and CLS in that they'll appeal to different buyers despite their similarities.
A 48V plug-in hybrid model is planned for the A-Class Saloon line-up, with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an electric-only range of 31 miles.
There will also be a hot Mercedes-AMG A45 variant to rival the Audi RS3 Saloon. The rest of the engines will be shared across the A-Class range.
These will be optimised for the new generation to give better fuel economy and lower emissions than the current models. Most prominent of these will likely be 1.4-litre and 1.2-litre variants of Mercedes and Renault’s M282 four-cylinder petrol engine, although the 1.2 is yet to be confirmed.
Additionally, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre M260 petrol engines are set to feature. All of the diesels will be 2.0-litre, four-cylinder units.
Inside, the A-Class Saloon is expected to be almost identical to the A-Class hatchback and, as is evident from the images, will feature Mercedes’ full-width digital dashboard and infotainment display.
Also to be included on the new A-Class will be S-Class-derived driver assistance systems that will allow the car to steer and brake autonomously up to certain speeds.
Read more:
2018 Mercedes A-Class caught testing on video in near-production form
Audi RS3 Saloon UK 2017 review
Mercedes-Benz Concept A Saloon brings the fight to BMW, Audi
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superstevie
I don't think this is a
I don't think this is a saloon version of the current A-Class, but the first of the next generation. I'm sure the next generation will be an evolution of the current car's platform though. Expect this to show you the new look to those cars
mx5xm
Screen relocation!
At least the screen appears to be back "in" the dash and not sitting atop of it! The major blemish on the dash until now!
5wheels
Chicken
MB chickened out totally from the concept, and its a mess look at the massive overhang in front of the front wheels - ughhhh
what's life without imagination
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