From AutoExpress, Mercedes-Benz has indeed finally revealed the A-Class Saloon, which is basically a booted version of the 4th generation of the brand’s compact car. “We’ve already seen a four-door variant of the latest model – the Chinese market A-Class L Sedan – but this one will be coming to the UK.” – AutoExpress. Does this mean it’s destined for our shores too? Check out the video!
Here’s more about the new A-Class Sedan courtesy of AutoExpress:
From the outside, the saloon looks near identical to the A-class hatchback right up until the C-Pillar. From there, the roof drops away slightly more sharply to accommodate the new boot section. The rear end treatment is the same as the Chinese L Sedan, featuring bold light clusters with a Y-shaped LED signature above a bumper flanked by a pair of vertical air vents.
The saloon shares its 2,729mm wheelbase with the hatchback, while the overall length has stretched 130mm beyond the standard five-door variant. At 420 litres, the boot is 50 litres larger than in the hatch, though its opening is inevitably smaller.
The new shape makes the saloon even more aerodynamic than the already slippery A-Class hatch. At 0.22 cd, Mercedes claims that it boasts the greatest aero efficiency of any current production car, which should bring with it both low levels of wind noise and strong fuel efficiency.
There’s two engines to choose from at launch; the petrol A200 and diesel A180d. The A 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo that makes 161bhp, 250Nm of torque, and is claimed to manage 54.3mpg. The diesel unit is co-developed with Renault, and achieves 71mpg while producing 114bhp and 260Nm.
It’s a fairly small segment the A-Class Saloon will compete in when it makes its Spring 2019 debut – the Audi A3 Saloon will be its closest competitor – but Mercedes says that it’ll boast class-leading rear headroom. The rest of the A-Class cabin is the same as the regular hatchback; in other words it’s furnished with a well-built, contemporary dash which, with a few select options ticked, gets one of the very best infotainment systems available at any price.
The A-Class Saloon will make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show on 4 October. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect a slightly premium over the hatch’s £25,800 start point (circa RM137,326 nett before taxes and import duties). Here’s one last video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VqML6ERrGQ
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Photo Gallery (all photos from AutoExpress UK)
