Mercedes shows new A-class 07 | 03 | 2012

THIS IS THE all-new Mercedes A-class which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (see more official photos of the all-new Mercedes A-class).

The third generation of the model — which will go head-to-head Audi A3, BMW 1-series and Volkswagen Golf when it goes on sale across Scotland in the summer — has a conventional hatchback silhouette and loses the tall, one-box MPV-like styling of previous versions.

The new A-class will be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, similar to those offered in the larger B-class.

The engine range will therefore include 107bhp and 136bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre common rail diesels. THere will also be a turbocharged 1.6-litre direct injection petrol unit in two states of tune that produces either 154bhp or 120bhp.

For the first time, Mercedes will also produce a turbocharged performance model which will lock horns with the Audi RS3.

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Jim McGill