The Mercedes-Benz new A-Class establishes a new benchmark in the premium compact segment

With the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is opening up a new chapter in the compact segment: emotive design, high quality interior, powerful engines, extremely efficient emissions and a best-in-class drag coefficient. At the same time this new Mercedes-Benz model underlines a new safety standard in the compact segment. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) November 16, 2012 - The design: the most progressive in the compact class

Standing as much as 160 millimetres lower on the road than the preceding model, the new A-Class communicates design and dynamism at the very first glance. The appearance of the new A-Class reflects this new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. The result is what is known as a two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sportily emotive exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior.

Typical features of the long, sporty front are its pronounced V-shape, the separate headlamps, the radiator grille with central Mercedes star and double slats to either side of the star, as well as the additional air intakes on the sides. The designs of the headlamps, together with the configuration of the light functions within them, are key elements of the design concept. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic "flare effect" for the daytime driving lights and indicators.
The perfect interplay of dynamic design and excellent aerodynamics is nowhere more apparent than in the roof, with its smooth surfaces and taut, arcing curve. The tail lights continue the line of the muscular shoulders back towards the rear, while their horizontal orientation emphasizes the car's powerful width.

Interior: five-seater model with a high-value impression

The new dynamic style is perceptible at first glance in the interior as well. The interior of the A-Class represents a big step forward in terms of quality - both in the materials used and in the consistency of the design. All trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with "cool touch" effect. The work has been executed with considerable care and attention to detail, so that they appear to have been moulded in one piece.

Petrol engines: powerful output and high efficiency

Every petrol engine meets the power requirement and reaches new heights in terms of efficiency and environmental compatibility: All engines of the new A-Class feature the ECO start/stop function as standard and combine with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which ideally combines comfort and sportiness.

Suspension: agility and refined sportiness

Refined sportiness means maximum agility combined with the sense of safety, unspoilt driving stability and high levels of ride comfort which are all typical of the brand. The suspension of the new A-Class has a four-link rear axle, electromechanical power steering with assistance functions and ESP® with "Extended Traction Control". During development, the suspension experts made intensive use of simulations and the driving simulators at the Mercedes development centre in Sindelfingen as part of the so-called digital ride and handling test. The preconditions for achieving dynamic handling are excellent in the A-Class.

Safety: setting the highest standard and PRE-SAFE availible for the first time

With the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is setting new standards in the area of safety. The new A-Class pro-vides the highest standard of safety ever seen in this vehicle class. The democratisation of safety encom-passes an array of assistance systems which have been adopted into the A-Class from the larger model se-ries, or sometimes developed further in the A-Class.

Even more dynamic: the A 250 Sport

The A 250 Sport is available in a particularly dynamic version. A 250 Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with red-painted brake callipers. Other characteristic features of the A 250 Sport are the new diamond grille, headlamps with red highlight rings, hints of red on the AMG front and rear aprons, the red seat belts, sports seats with red contrasting topstitching and the red highlight rings on the air outlets which serve to emphasise the expressive positioning of the new model.

Continuing success: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The A-Class has been a bestseller worldwide for a number of generations since the market launch in 1997. It has blazed a trail for a new vehicle class with its unique design, becoming a driving force in the compact car segment. The second generation alone, which was launched in 2005, sold more than a million examples worldwide.

The new A-Class is now available in Hong Kong.

The new A-Class will be available exclusively in the Mercedes-Benz Excellence Center at Hopewell Centre, Wanchai, from 3rd to 9th November, 2012. From 10th November, 2012, it will also be available at Causeway Bay and Hunghom Mercedes-Benz showroom.

About Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) was the wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle products under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand names in the Northeast Asia region (China, Hong Kong and Macau). In 2005, MBCL moved all P.R. China operations to Beijing for further business development. On January 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited (MBHK) was established to take over the wholesale business for the Hong Kong and Macau markets.

Internet address:

All press information is available on the Mercedes-Benz website for the Hong Kong market at http://www.mercedes-benz.com.hk

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimler.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Samson Leung, tel: +852.2594 8733, samson.leung ( @ ) daimler dot com
Victoria Chu, tel: +852 2594 8861, victoria.chu ( @ ) daimler dot com

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