What’s new?

Exterior:

From the front, the A-Class is dominated by the forward-sloping bonnet with its two power bulges and steep 'shark nose', the redesigned radiator grille with a star pattern and flat headlamps.

There are four additional rim designs in sizes up to 19 inches, including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design together with a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line.

Interior:

Inside the freestanding dual-screen display, with a 7-inch and the larger 10.25-inch display, takes centre stage. Optional are two 10.25-inch displays that seem to float with their wide-screen look.

A new, dark carbon-fibre trim element further enhances both the instrument panel and the doors in these models.

In line with Mercedes-Benz’s goal of launching a CO₂-neutral fleet in 2039, the use of recycled materials plays a major part. For this reason, the composition of all materials to be used was also reviewed.

The seats feature fabrics in the centre section that are made from 100 percent recycled material. In the case of ARTICO/MICROCUT seats, this proportion is 65 percent in the surface of the seat and 85 percent underneath.

Equipment and tech:

Significantly upgraded equipment includes, for example, a reversing camera, the USB Package or the steering wheel in Nappa leather. With the Progressive trim level, which is standard in South Africa, customers can also look forward to LED headlamps, a seat with lumbar support, the Parking Package and the Mirror Package as standard.

In the facelifted car, both hardware and software have taken a major leap forward: the latest generation of MBUX is intuitive to operate and capable of learning. The driver and central displays can be customised as desired with the help of the newly designed display styles.

With the activation of online services in the Mercedes me App, the Hey Mercedes voice assistant in the new A-Class is now even more capable of dialogue and learning.

Also updated is the safety assistance. With the upgrade of the Driver Assistance Package, for example, the control of the Lane Keeping Assist is much more comfortable through using the Active Steering Control. The next generation of the Parking Package supports longitudinal parking and offers, among other things, 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking using 3D images.

Engines:

The A-Class hatch will be available with the 1300, turbopetrol with 120 kW and 250 Nm. The same engine will also be used in the A-Class sedan as well as a 2-litre turbodiesel with 110 kW and 320 Nm.

The new Mercedes-AMG A-Class models are also now available. MB says details about them will be communicated in due course. This includes the A 35 4MATIC Hatch and Sedan, plus the flagship A 45 S 4MATIC Hatch.

Prices:

A 200 Hatch 7G-DCT (R796 560), A 200 Sedan 7G-DCT (R851 560) and the A 200 d Sedan 8G DCT (R920 299).