As part of its recent facelift, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has undergone a number of stylistic and technological tweaks, including an improved version of the company’s Linguatronic voice control module and a nifty system that takes car of those pesky paralThe front end of the A-Class sports a sweeping set of new-look headlamps that appear to flow from the front into the flanks. The redesigned bumper, with its air intake at the bottom, helps emphasise the car’s width, while the radiator grille has also been tweaked and furnished with a larger three-pointed star.

As is the case with its larger stable mates, The Avantgarde line is distinguished by a bumper designed to emphasise the arrow-shaped front and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design, while Elegance models wear 16-inch light alloy wheels with 10-twin spoke design. The rear also undergoes a number of styling tweaks, such as a modified bumper and new-look tail lights that extend well into the flanks.

The interior builds upon the that of the outgoing model, but adds new trim elements for the Elegance and Avantgard models, as well as a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a cup holder between the front seats.

The new car’s party piece has to be the optional Parktronic and active parking systems, which use ultrasonic sensors on the sides of the car to look for an appropriate parking spot on either side of the road. Once a suitable spot has been found, the active parking system then aids the driver in manoeuvring the car into the space with the driver providing throttle and brake input while the system does all the wheel-twirling required. This system is accurate enough to park the A-Class in a spot only 130 cm longer than the car.

Another new addition to this model is an Electronic Stability Programme with automatic hill-start assist, which prevents the t car from rolling backwards if the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal when moving off on an uphill slope.

The company’s Audio 20 sound system is standard across the range and features a 6 disc CD changer, 5-inch colour display, Bluetooth interface with hands-free function, CD player, telephone keypad, AUX-in connection in the glove compartment.The optional COMAND navigation system now features a significantly enhanced Linguatronic voice operated control system for navigation, radio, DVD player and telephone operation, as well as a 4 GB hard disc space for storing MP3/WMA audio files (MP3 and WMA).

The engines line up remains unchanged, with the petrol-powered A170 and the A 200 developing 85 kW and 100 kW, respectively. The diesel A180 CDI diesel’s powerplant develops 80 kW. The petrol models feature a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while the A180 CDI’s powerplant is coupled with a 6-speed manual. A CVT automatic is available as an optional extra.

Pricing

A170 R212 000

A200 R252 000

A180 CDI R242 000

The standard MobiloDrive 120 maintenance contract is standard across the new A-Class range.

Original article from Car