Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class Revealed at 2011 Shanghai and New York Auto Shows

This story originally appeared at Motor Authority

The latest Concept A-Class from Mercedes-Benz
is the clearest indication yet as to what the automaker’s
next-generation A-Class will look like, and the good news is that the
production version of this one is likely to hit U.S. shores.

Revealed at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and again at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the Concept A-Class precedes the production version
expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of next year. Mercedes-Benz’ officials have also indicated that will also reach US shores, though there’s yet to be an exact schedule of when that will be.

As can clearly be seen, designers have
ditched the current model’s tallish van-like shape and gone with a more
traditional, albeit highly stylized, hatchback design.

Special
features of the Concept A-Class include a radar-based collision warning
system with visual and acoustic notification for the driver, adaptive
brakes, LED headlights, fiber-optic daytime running lights and an
integrated smartphone that can be controlled by the car’s COMAND rotary
knob located on the dash.

Under the hood sits a ‘BlueEfficiency’
turbocharged four-cylinder engine displacing just 2.0-liters but
developing a healthy 210 horsepower thanks to the forced induction
technology as well as direct injection. The BlueEfficiency tag indicates
that this powerplant is one of the greenest in Mercedes’ engine lineup.
However, also helping to save fuel and sending drive to the front
wheels is a lightweight and compact dual clutch transmission.

Another
big departure for the new A-Class model is the introduction of several
variants in addition to the previewed hatchback. Instead of having
separate A- and B-Class models, Mercedes-Benz is thought to be releasing
a family of entry-level models including a familiar minivan model,
coupe-like sedan, compact SUV and possibly even a sporty roadster. Hybrid and all-electric versions are also expected to get the tick of approval.

The cars will be built on a new front-wheel drive platform codenamed MFA (Mercedes
Frontwheel Architecture), which drops the former sandwich construction
for a more conventional car-like design. The main reason Mercedes-Benz
is increasing the number of fuel-efficient compact models it sells is
not only to help its bottom line but also to reduce its fleet-average
emissions.