F i r s t D r i ve s
Stepping Into The Digital Age If you want to pinpoint one attribute of the A-Class over the segment, you’d find the answer within its cabin. With the all-new state-of-the-art MercedesBenz User Experience (MBUX), the new A-Class marks a foray into the digital era of the automobile. Elevating the connection between car and driver to a personal level, the cockpit is equipped with a high-resolution media display with touchscreen control, digital instrument cluster, intelligent voice control and natural speech recognition along with a touchpad on the centre console.
(top) The A-Class features bolder and tighter lines
to improve the model with tweaks and enhancements but it remained pretty much status quo for the A-Class until 2013 when it finally evolved into a beautiful piece of machinery.
(bottom) The cockpit comes equipped with high-tech digital features
Third Time’s The Charm
The third generation model has truly turned the fortunes of the A-Class. Ditching its short wheel base and tall body design of the original, the A-Class ventured into the hot hatch territory. This decisive move did wonders for the order books of MercedesBenz. Last year, sales of the model peaked in markets such as the U.K. where it was the fourth best-selling car of the year, and in Europe, where 311,000 units were sold. Based on this impressive success rate, much was expected from Mercedes-Benz to continue the forward trajectory of the model. The German automaker duly responded when it lifted the covers off the latest iteration of the A-Class.
A Class Above
Mercedes-Benz designers have sharpened the A-Class extensively with tighter and bolder lines. The aesthetics certainly work, with a ‘shark nose’ front and turbine-inspired air vents. Compared to the previous edition, the new A-Class looks sportier and more aggressive – certainly a big plus point for the brand’s hot-selling compact. In terms of performance, the A-Class is offered in two turbocharged variants – the 1.3-litre A200 Progressive Line and 2.0-litre A250 AMG Line. Both mills are paired with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission.
Key highlights found in the model include 64-colour ambient lighting, Intelligent Drive features, KEYLESS GO function and multifunction sports steering wheel. The modern refinements coupled with a revised interior provide an element of youthfulness along with a revolutionary step forward in the production of luxury automobiles.
Conclusion: Grade A Automobile
There’s no denying the new A-Class is a move in the right direction for Mercedes-Benz, especially as it focuses its attention on the needs of the modern driver. With a distinct focus on delivering smart intuitive technology along with exhilarating performance and driveability, the boys at Stuttgart have delivered a winner in every sense of the word. Even then, it hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from enhancing the model even further, with a striking sedan version set to go on sale in selected markets in 2019.
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The new Mercedes-Benz A Class is available as the A200 Progressive Line and A250 AMG Line for RM227,888 and RM263,888, respectively, excluding road tax, registration and insurance.
Although the A200 sounds tame, its performance numbers suggest otherwise. The model delivers 163 horses and 240Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient for a spirited drive. Those who prefer a more exhilarating performance should opt for the 224hp A250, especially with 350Nm of torque on tap. But with the inclusion of four Dynamic Select transmission modes for both cars, the A-Class will not be short of fun for the person in the driver’s seat.
January 2019
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