Features minor updates to the exterior and revised power figures.
Mercedes-Benz have unveiled the first mid-cycle refresh for the third generation A-Class hatchback, which will make its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The company has confirmed that bookings will open on July 3, and it will reach showrooms in the end of September.
Below is a pictorial comparison between the 2012 Mercedes A Class and the facelifted 2016 Mercedes A Class, covering key aspects and changes to the package.
Exterior
Compared to the outgoing model, the only noticeable changes are the optional LED headlamps with sleek LED DRLs, and an updated bumper design. In the standard "Sport" variant, it gets a more arrow-shaped lower lip and re-designed air intakes, while the AMG Line features larger intakes with a characteristic red line across the central intake. The A45 AMG sports an even more aggressive front bumper and a pair of side canards.
The rear gets an updated pair of LED taillamps, new dual exhaust system, while the A45 AMG comes with a mean rear wing, quad exhaust tips, and a diffuser in between.
Interior
Changes in the inside are only narrowed down to equipment upgrades, new upholstery colours and trim materials for the dashboard. It also features a new 3-spoke steering wheel as standard in the Sport variant, and a flat-bottomed AMG GT-inspired steering in the AMG Line and A45 AMG. It also gets an updated instrument cluster with sporty decals.
The new A Class comes with a larger frameless 8-inch free-standing COMAND infotainment display that is navigated through a familiar dial. The COMAND system now offers Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink smartphone connectivity, which is a first for Mercedes-Benz.
Engines
The 2016 Mercedes A Class retains the engine lineup of the outgoing model, but tuned for better fuel efficiency. The facelift debuts Mercedes’ new naming nomenclature for diesel engines that replaces the “CDI” branding for a simple “d”. Also new to the A Class lineup is a fuel efficient A 180 d SE, which produces the same 109 hp and 260 Nm of torque as in the standard A 180 d, but returns an improved fuel economy of 28.5 km/L (NEDC cycle).
The A 220 d and A 250 AMG Line get a 7 hp power bump, and now delivers 177 hp/350 Nm and 218 hp/350 Nm of torque, respectively. The highly force-fed 2.0-liter motor in the A45 AMG is tuned to produce 381 hp and 475 Nm (up from 355 hp and 450 Nm), so that the "super hatch" stays ahead in the horsepower game (at least until the VW Golf R400 comes along). This enables the A45 to hit 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds lower than the outgoing model.
Mercedes will continue offering the 6-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, that sends torque to the front wheels. Higher variants, including the A45 AMG, can be offered with the 4MATIC AWD system.
