MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
The larger wheel arches — from 16 to 19 inches — make it sit more squarely on the road.
THE INSIDE STORY
stationary vehicles. This extended active brake assist even responds to crossing pedestrians and cyclists to help prevent collisions altogether.
The interior of the new A-Class is completely redefined with its modern, avant-garde look. Mercedes-Benz has taken a completely new approach, revolutionising the compact segment from the inside. The feeling of spaciousness is accentuated by the increased shoulder, elbow and headroom. The new A-Class also offers easier access to the rear and a larger, more family and recreation-friendly luggage compartment.
THE POWER
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS MBUX, the new multimedia system, is a revolution in terms of user experience. It learns to suit the user through artificial intelligence, so the more a user interacts with it, the more the new A-Class adapts. In addition, MBUX offers intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension. By using the phrase “Hey Mercedes”, users can adjust the air-conditioning, send a text message, or find the quickest route out of the Cape Town city centre on a Friday afternoon. New and improved Mercedes me connect services are also being launched with MBUX. These include navigation functions like emergency braking, onstreet prediction, real-time information and off-street information, which saves time and reduces stress levels when searching for a parking space.
The A Class is available in two variants — the A 200 and the A 250 Sport, with the diesel model expected in South Africa later this year. Both models benefit from new engines. The A 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre unit, which generates 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque with a 7G DCT dual-clutch transmission (5.2 l/100 km). The 2.0-litre engine of the A 250 Sport generates 165 kW and 350 Nm and is available with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission, which provides a claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100 km. New features for both engines include CAMTRONIC for the intake camshaft and particulate filter as standard. As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with a comfort suspension with steel springs and DYNAMIC SELECT. The comfort suspension has been lowered by 15mm and specially configured springs and dampers for more sporty characteristics. The suspension with active damping control enables the driver to choose the preferred damping characteristics.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Starting at R499 000, the A-Class can be all yours for the keeping. SV
SPECIAL EXTRAS The new A-Class also offers a number of functions that were previously the preserve of the luxury class: real-time parking, for example, and the ability to drive semiautonomously in certain situations. To do this, it keeps a close eye on the traffic as the improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to 500 metres ahead. The car also comes with extended active brake assist as standard. Depending on the circumstances, this can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slow-moving, stopping or
AUTUMN 2019 SOUTHERN VINES
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2019/02/20 8:10 AM