New 'A' Is Ready

Exclusive spy shots in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveal the all-new five-door A-Class virtually undisguised and in showroom trim for the first time. Mercedes' designers have gone for a much sleeker style for the car, which isn't due to be officially unveiled until the Paris Motor Show in September.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

25th March 2004

While the overall shape will remain the same, there's a sharper nose with larger headlamps and a more rounded rear end. The cabin will be more roomy thanks to increased external dimensions: the new model is 232mm longer, 6mm taller and 45mm wider than before.

The A-Class accounts for one in 20 Mercedes models that have ever been made, so the importance of the car pictured here can't be underestimated. For the first time, both three and five-door models will be produced, but because of the larger dimensions there will be no additional long-wheelbase version.

To go with the new chassis, a range of fresh engines has also been developed. Petrol models will get reworked versions of the existing 1.5 and 2.0-litre motors and deliver 10 per cent more power and five per cent better economy. Buyers will also have the option of a new 141bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Along with an improved five-speed manual gearbox, engineers have also come up with a new CVT shifter to boost mpg.

After its Paris debut, the A-Class will go on sale across continental Europe early in 2005, with UK dealers opening their order books in spring next year.