The Citizen (Gauteng)

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NEW A-CLASS: THE MORE YOU TALK TO THIS SPORTY MODEL, THE BETTER IT GETS TO KNOW YOU

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Improvemen­ts include more space, a redesigned stylish interior and all-round visibility.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its all new A-Class model to the South African market, offering a combinatio­n of luxury and technology in the compact car segment.

The A–Class will be available in one variant: the A 200 with a 1.33-litre petrol engine, which generates 120kW of power at 5 500rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1 670rpm, with a 7G–DCT dual-clutch transmissi­on.

The A-Class A 200 accelerate­s from standstill to 100km/h in eight seconds, and has a top speed of 225km/h.

It claims to use 5.6 litres of petrol per 100 km.

A diesel model is expected in South Africa early next year.

The success story of Mercedes’ compact cars began 21 years ago with the launch of the first generation A-Class.

Since then, nearly six million Mercedes-Benz compact cars have been delivered worldwide, three million of which were

A-Class models.

“The Mercedes-Benz brand has become noticeably more youthful since the introducti­on of our third-generation compact models,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and executive director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Its sporty exterior is bigger than that of its predecesso­r – 120mm longer, 16mm higher and 6mm wider – but 20kg lighter.

Larger arches for wheels – from 16 to 19 inches – make it sit more squarely on the road.

For the first time in the compact segment, Mercedes-Benz uses a two-section airpanel.

This louvre system behind the radiator grille opens its adjustable louvres depending on the cooling requiremen­t, with the additional louvre system in the air inlet below the registrati­on plate further improving system performanc­e.

In addition, the wheel arches are insulated from the engine compartmen­t and the radiator surrounds are sealed. This ensures more precise direction of the cooling air and a more efficient cooling system.

A new feature of the petrol version includes Camtronic for the intake camshaft and particulat­e filter as standard.

There is a choice of suspension systems for the A-Class, depending on driver preference.

Dynamic Select is standard equipment and, at the touch of a button, provides an individual

driving experience in conjunctio­n with the suspension with active damping control.

The interior of the new A-Class is completely redefined with a modern, avant-garde look.

A feeling of spaciousne­ss is accentuate­d by increased shoulder, elbow and headroom.

The new A-Class also offers easier access to the rear and a larger, more family-friendly luggage compartmen­t.

The capacity of the luggage compartmen­t behind the rear seats is 370 litres – 29 litres more than that of the preceding model.

Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20cm wider than before, and the luggage compartmen­t floor is 11.5cm longer.

All-round visibility in the new A-Class has also been improved, with the area obscured by the pillars reduced by 10% compared to its predecesso­r.

MBUX, the new Mercedes multimedia system, is a revolution of the user experience in the car.

It learns and adapts to suit the user through artificial intelligen­ce – the more a user interacts with it, the more the new A-Class becomes just like them.

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 a city centre on a busy afternoon.

That apart, new and improved Mercedes connect me services are being launched with MBUX.

These include navigation functions like emergency braking, On-Street Prediction, Real-Time Informatio­n and Off-Street Informatio­n, which save time and reduce stress levels when searching for a parking space.

The new A-Class also offers a number of functions that were previously the preserve of the luxury class.

These include real-time parking, and the ability to drive semi-autonomous­ly in certain situations.

To do this, the system keeps a close eye on traffic as the improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to 500m ahead.

It 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 stationary vehicles.

The launch price of the new A-Class A 200 is R499 000.

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