The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLS Coupé models arrive
MERCEDES-Benz has launched two new models on the Irish market: A- Class and CLS Coupé, both of which, it is hoped, will bring significant gains to dealers as they seek to catch the 182 registrations tide.
In their own separate ways, the A- Class and CLS personify the length that Mercedes-Benz has travelled since embarking on its ambitious new product offensive, its intention being to capture new segments of the market and a new, more youthful customer base.
A- Class is described as a model that ‘redefines luxury in the compact class’. The new A- Class retains all of its youthful appeal whilst being endowed with characteristics more grown-up than those of its predecessor.
Successful in attracting a distinctly younger fan base, which in-house surveys show is an average 13 years younger, the new A- Class is noticeably larger than before. It’s even more energetic appearance is down to a noticeably more sloping bonnet and lower, more angular headlights and grille with inset star.
Inside, it has more head, shoulder and elbow space with easier access to the back seat and a luggage compartment 29 litres larger than before. A talking point will be its ultra-modern new MBUX multimedia and infotainment system, shorthand for MercedesBenz User experience.
Housed within its avant-garde, split-level dashboard, the MBUX comprises a control-and-display unit that uses artificial intelligence to learn and memorise instructions.
It’s said to be a segment-leading feature and MBUX is something Mercedes-Benz believes will reduce driver distraction whilst being a USP to which younger drivers will be drawn. At its heart is a high-resolution, touch-screen embodying a navigation display with augmented reality technology, and intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition.
Adding authority to his claim that A- Class ‘raises the bar’ in the compact segment, Mercedes-Benz sales manager, Ciaran Allen, points to the fact that its other features include items derived from the S- Class and other models higher up the model chain.
Typically, these include multifunctional steering wheel, climate control seats with massage and multi-contour functions, and safety elements like lane keeping, adaptive braking, and various distance control and driver assist systems with which MercedesBenz owners are familiar with.
Supported by competitive finance plans, and an expanded dealer network that includes new outlets in Dublin, Sligo, Galway and Wexford, the A- Class comes on the market with three different design lines: Style, Progressive and AMG.
Initial models to arrive are the A180d Automatic, starting at €31,600 and the A200 petrol starting at €34,235. The entry A160 Petrol and A160d will arrive later. Prices, expected to guide around €30,000, will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
New engines comprises two 4-cylinrer petrol options of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre capacity and a new 1.5-litre diesel with power outputs in the 116 to 224hp range, initially with higher performance AMG versions following. Transmissions will be a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic.
The CLS Coupé, third in a generation of models first introduced in 2003, combines the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon.
Seen as an iconic design concept that has helped it achieve classic status within its own lifetime, the four-door CLS has echoes of the Mercedes-AMG GT, reflected in its striking front-end, sporty low profile, frameless side windows, outstanding aerodynamics, and A RANGE of Ford Dealerships from across Ireland is looking to recruit up to 50 new apprentice technicians and fully qualified technicians for a rewarding career in the motor industry.
In addition to taking on new unqualified apprentices, a selection of Ford Dealers nationwide are also hoping to recruit trained technicians with cutting-edge software, electronic and electrical skills to reflect the rapid evolution of Ford’s product range.
David Pimlott, Director of Customer Service at Ford Ireland, said: ‘ This is a fantastic opportunity to join Ireland’s biggest network of car dealerships. Ford’s product range is growing almost as fast as its technology, and although we value traditional technical skills, we’re looking for ambitious and flexible technicians who can join us on our journey to hybrids, battery electric vehicles, autonomous technology – and beyond. high arching waistline.
Built to comfortably accommodate five occupants, features of its fully digital ‘width-accentuated’ aero-like cabin include individually-adjustable 64-colour ambience lighting, illuminated air vents, hand-finished appearance upholstery, and air conditioning with colour-guided, red/blue, warmer/ cooler temperature control. In the rear, seat backs can be folded to expand its somewhat generous 520-litre luggage compartment.
Sharing features in common with the S Class, the new CLS comes with latest touch-screen infotainment, safety and driver assistance systems plus an impressive array of optional items.
Describing it as ‘a car created for the discerning motorist’ Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, points to the wide choice of diesel models available at launch. These comprise a CLS 300d – expected to be the popular choice in Ireland – along with a CLS350d 4MATIC and CLS400d 4MATIC. Following, in early-2019 will be a CLS 220d version. Most powerful model is an 8-cylinder CLS 450 4MATIC 6-cylinder petrol version.
The new CLS comes on the market at prices which Allen notes ‘are pitched at a competitive level and comfortably close to the previous model, notwithstanding the significant enhancements made in terms of its design, technology, safety, and comfort elements. The new CLS diesel prices start at CLS 300d Automatic - €64,805 / CLS 350d Automatic 4MATIC - €76,965 and the CLS 450 Automatic 4Matic - €85,760.
‘Believe it or not, any one of our recent Ford passenger models has as much technology on it as the first Apollo rocket that took man to the moon, and our cars are becoming more technologically advanced with each new model. Keeping those models in tip top form requires the best trained technicians in the market. The Ford Technical Training Academy in Naas, Co. Kildare delivers that world-class training for all of our technicians. A career as a Ford technician is very rewarding in terms of job satisfaction, pay and benefits.’
Potential technician candidates should check out www.ford.ie/experience-ford/ technician-recruitment or simply google Ford technician recruitment Ireland to see the listing of Ford Dealers who are currently hiring technicians and apprentices. Prospective candidates are advised to contact the Ford Dealer(s) of their choice should they wish to apply for a position.