The second generation A-Class remains true to its reputation as a technological trendsetter: ground-breaking innovations again make their premiere performances in this vehicle, further improving driving safety and drive comfort; a total of more than 200 patents are used in the new Mercedes model.

In addition to the unique sandwich concept which delivers front and side impact advantages, the newly developed efficient belt and airbag system in the A-Class ensures a level of passenger safety customers have come to expect from Mercedes. This includes adaptive two-stage front airbags, seat belt tensioners for front seat passengers and passengers sitting in the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head and front thorax-side airbags in place of the former sidebags.

The new A-Class also offers a range of new features in terms of driving safety and roadholding. The main technical chassis innovation is the parabolic rear axle which offers precision tracking and good anti-roll support when cornering. The rear axle therefore makes an important contribution to the exemplary driving safety, dynamic handling and high levels of drive comfort experienced in the new A-Class.

The chassis of the compact Mercedes car features another special innovation fitted as standard: a newly developed selective damping system, which is a world first in automotive construction. Thanks to this system, the shock absorber forces are adapted to the current driving situation.

More performance, more torque, increased driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy – these were the objectives laid down when developing the engines used in the new A-Class. The new range will also feature seven four-cylinder engines – including three newly developed CDI direct fuel injection models and one new 193 bhp turbocharged petrol engine. When compared with their predecessors, the performance of the petrol and diesel engines used in the new A-Class has increased by up to 38 per cent and torque levels have improved by up to 46 per cent. Even with these higher performance levels, the fuel consumption of the petrol models has fallen by up to 10 per cent. All engines satisfy the stringent EU-4 exhaust gas limits and a particulate filter system can be supplied on request for the diesel engines.

The three newly developed CDI diesel engines are based on second-generation common-rail technology which operates with dual pilot fuel injection and a higher fuel injection pressure (1600 bar). This and other measures result in a considerable increase in performance and torque, a drop in exhaust gas emissions and audible improvements in noise comfort.

On request, all models of the new A-Class can be supplied with the newly developed AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission. This is the first Mercedes transmission to function following the principle of a "Continuously Variable Transmission". The ratios are modified on a continuously variable basis using a pulley variator and thrust link belt. With this system, the A-Class can accelerate without interrupting traction and the engine reaches its maximum performance output faster than with a standard automatic transmission. The AUTOTRONIC also delivers higher levels of driving and noise comfort.

A compact car on the outside and a family car on the inside, with the space available in an MPV - the new A-Class also manages to combine these apparently mutually exclusive features by virtue of its unique sandwich concept. The new compact Mercedes car outperforms its predecessor and competitors in terms of all comfort-linked interior dimensions: the shoulder room has grown by up to 97 mm, the width provided for passengers’ elbows by up to 95 mm and the space at knee height in the rear by 30 mm. The distance between the front and rear seats is 805 mm and is therefore the same as that found in a medium-size saloon.

The choice of interior materials is based on scientific investigations conducted in the laboratories of DaimlerChrysler’s research department, where drivers evaluated surface

materials, switches and controls in terms of how they feel to touch. These tests provided valuable data for the development of interior parts which not only look good, but are good to touch. This means looks and feel complement each other and make an important contribution to making car passengers feel at ease. The Mercedes formula for the best possible touch, feel and ergonomics has been developed via these scientific tests: the "TAF factor" (Touch And Feel factor).

Alongside the dimensional concept, seat design and ergonomics, the air conditioning system in the interior compartment also helps to increase the safety and well-being of car passengers. In the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is offering a high-performance air conditioning system as standard or on request, will fit the compact car with a ‘Luxury Climate Control’ automatic air conditioning system. This operates on the basis of data recorded by sensors on temperature, position of the sun, air humidity and level of pollutants in the outside air.

Other optional extras available from the Mercedes luxury class include the latest generation innovative COMAND APS control and display system, the Audio 50 APS navigation car radio and bi-xenon headlamps.

The luggage capacity of the new A-Class exceeds that of its predecessor by up to 15 per cent. Thanks to the 60/40 rear seat split, the interior compartment can be laid out in different ways in a few simple moves to satisfy the task. Both the seat cushions and the backrests can be folded forwards individually or all together and the height-adjustable loading floor therefore produces a flat loading area.

The capacity of the luggage compartment is 1310 litres (using the VDA measuring method). If the optional EASY-VARIO-PLUS system is supplied in the five-door model, both rear seat cushions and the rear seat backrests can be taken out. This system also offers the option of folding the passenger seat backrest forwards or removing the passenger seat completely. The load area then increases to a length of 2.75 metres and the loading volume goes up to 1955 litres.

NB: The loading volume figures quoted above are for UK specification.

Further details regarding pricing and specification for Australian models will be announced at a later time.