Images of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have been leaked online. These are the first official shots of the new hatch, revealing the sporty exterior and interior design.
Mercedes-Benz is looking to take on the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, offering a more sporty hatch layout with a fatter more hunkered down stance compared with the outgoing mini MPV-theme.
From these first images, the 2012 A-Class looks muscular yet stylish, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language. There’s new headlights with LED daytime running lights incorporated inside, as well as a large, somewhat aggressive two-tier front grille layout with a big Mercedes badge in the middle.
Down the sides feature flowing panel lines leading up to the more rounded taillights compared with the outgoing model, a rising waistline, and an overall curvy roofline and rear end and tailgate.
These images also reveal what appears to be an AMG bodykit and upgrade package, as seen on the silver car. This could be the exact same 2012 A-Class spotted earlier last month which was thought to be the new 2012 A 25 AMG model. As you can see on the badge, it is an A 250 variant instead.
Nonetheless, the AMG sports package looks to include a silver mesh front grille using a single cross bar, a slightly more aggressive front bumper bar, and a sporty rear bumper bar with neat vertical vents in the corners.
The interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has also been revealed in the images, showing funky styling, with two-tone colours, aviation-style air vents, chrome highlights, and an isolated multimedia interface screen sprouting out from the dash.
Full engine specifications, including more details on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 25 AMG model, are expected to be released at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, starting today (Geneva time) – expect coverage on PerformanceDrive‘s front page from around 6pm today (Australia eastern time).
UPDATE: Mercedes-Benz has now released official information on the new A-Class.
Power will come from a variety of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from an A 180 1.6-litre petrol with 85kW, to an A 200 2.0-litre with 115kW, up to an A 250 offering a potent 155kW.
In the diesel lineup there’s an A 180 CDI with 80kW and 250Nm, an A 200 CDI with 100kW and 300Nm, to a range-topping A 220 CDI with 125kW and 350Nm.
All versions will come with a six-speed manual transmission, or a seven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic.
Australia specifications are still be be finalised, however, the new model is set to go on sale locally during the start of 2013, and in Europe in September this year.
