New Mercedes A-Class details

The new Mercedes A-Class will offer class-leading performance, economy and emissions thanks to a range of specially developed turbo petrol and diesel engines, all with the latest stop-start tech.

Leading the charge will be the Renault-derived 1.5-litre diesel in the A180 CDI. It emits 98g/km of CO2 – the lowest of any Mercedes – and means exemption from road tax. It claims 62mpg fuel economy, too, while 108bhp and 260Nm of torque should mean decent pace.

Next in the diesel line-up is the A200 CDI. It uses Mercedes’ tried and tested 1.8-litre, but is revised to meet Euro VI emissions rules: it offers 111g/km of CO2 and 55mpg.

This engine also delivers 134bhp and 300Nm of torque. Topping the diesel range is the A220 CDI, featuring a 168bhp 2.1-litre with 350Nm of torque, for 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.

But economy and emissions figures for this car have yet to be released. All diesels get new hydraulic engine mounts to help reduce vibration and noise.

Petrol A-Class buyers can pick from three new turbos. The A180 has a 1.6 with 120bhp and 200Nm of torque, claims 43mpg and emits 128g/km. A higher-performance version of this engine is used in the A200; power and torque are increased to 154bhp and 250Nm.

Finally, there’s the flagship A250, which gets a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 208bhp and 350Nm, does 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and hits 149mph. This engine still offers 39mpg and 143g/km, but is only available with Mercedes’ all-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic box.