2012 Mercedes Concept A

This is the concept version of the 2012-2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. If you recall, the A-Class is the German carmaker’s smallest model that flopped in the GCC a decade ago, but continued to thrive in the European market. It looks like the A-Class is ditching its dorky height and gaining some length soon.

This concept is an exaggerated version of the front-wheel-drive A-Class that will debut sometime next year. The “Concept A” gets a turbocharged and direct-injected 210 hp “BlueEFFICIENCY” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, dual-clutch automanual transmission, and accident-prevention gadgets from the S-Class.

We hear that Mercedes-Benz isn’t too keen on playing with the poor crowd in the UAE, so it is likely this model will not come to the GCC anytime soon, if only to not steal sales from the B-Class. Wait, is the B-Class still around?

The Mercedes Benz Conept A seems to have come from another planet. It looks stunning and will surely give a run for money to its competitors. The German car maker will unveilthis car at 2011 Shanghai Motor Show later this month. Technical highlights of the car include a new, turbo charged 4-cylinder petrol engine, a dual clutch transmission and a radar based collision warning system with adaotive brake assist.

Going by the officially released picture, boys at Stuttgart have hit the nail right in the head as far as the design of a sporty compact car is concerned. Note the long bonnet, a low silhouette and slim window areas of this 3-door showcar. Inspiration comes from Mercedes F800 concept.

The Concept A showcar is a front wheel drive car powered by the new generation Mercedes M270 series engines. A two-litre engine of the new engine family, developing 210 hp, sites under its bonnet. We expect smaller and diesel engines to be made available on the car in comeing times as well. Is an AMG hot hatch to rival the RS3 and 1-series M is the pipeline as well, we suspect it could well be.

The cabin features flashy red lit dials and vents, which Mercedes says are inspired by the after burners of a jet engine – hot, we say! The car also happens to feature a world’s first radar based collision warning system in its segment.

The new A class should become available next year, in similar timeslines as the new A3 or 1 series.