RSS
Mercedes-Benz’s new B-Class has already been unveiled to the world, but the mainstay of its new MFA architecture — the A-Class — has not. As a result, we’re not too surprised to see Motor Trend’s spy photographer managed to yet again catch a camouflaged prototype undergoing testing in Europe.
Although the car still wears tape and fabric padding in an attempt to disguise its lines, it’s blatantly obvious it bears a very close resemblance to 2011′s Concept A-Class. Per the usual journey from concept to production, the show car’s dramatic wheels, lamps, and accents appear to be toned down slightly, but the taut character lines, rakish window opening, and proportions appear to have been left intact. Engineers obscured the instrument panel with hastily-fashioned plastic panels, but the general layout of the IP and door panels is close to that of the show car. All in all, it’s a far cry from the tall, quirky shape used by the last two A-Class generations.
While these photos show five-door models out and about in the snow, Benz is planning on pushing a two-door hatchback — like the original concept — into production. Additionally, the MFA platform will also allegedly spawn a convertible variant, a small BMW X1-sized crossover, and a CLS-inspired sedan and hatchback known as the CLC.
Powertrain offerings will be considerably varied. We reported earlier this summer that Benz was considering sourcing some engines from Renault for the MFA program, ranging from 1.2-liter gasoline I-4 to a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I-4. Other options will likely include a Daimler-developed 1.8-liter I-4, a 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, and a 340-hp, twin-turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder for AMG-tuned models. Exactly how these engines will be allocated to both product lines and global markets remains to be seen.
Until Benz releases more on it’s great new small wonder, click over to MT to take a gander at its photo gallery.
MOST COMMENTED ON