New Mercedes-Benz A-Class to arrive in September

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback to be launched in September 2012 in Europe, will be offered with a choice of four diesel and three petrol engines mated to two different transmissions. 

Mercedes-Benz is downsizing engines for its entry level cars for improved performance, economy and lower emissions. The stop/start system will come as standard on all models; while a low drag coefficient of 0.27, turbocharging and improved fuel injectors will make them more efficient.

The 1461cc engine in the A 180 CDI has a claimed output of 108PS and mileage of 26kmpl, and emits 98g/km of CO2, the lowest of any Mercedes-Benz. It has been developed in partnership with Renault. Renault-Nissan and Mercedes-Benz inked a pact in 2010 to develop engines for small cars. The diesel A200 CDI with a 1.8-litre engine has been made Euro VI compliant, emitting 111g/km of CO2. Its engine delivers 134PS and 300Nm of torque. Topping the diesel range is the A220 CDI, featuring a 168PS 2.1-litre engine with 350Nm of torque, and a 0-100km/h time of 7.8 seconds. All the diesel engines get new hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration and noise.

The petrol models feature three new turbocharged engines sporting the BlueDirect technology, which has been adapted from the V6 and V8 engines from larger models. The A180 has a 1.6-litre engine with 120PS and 200Nm of torque, and a claimed efficiency of 18kmpl. A higher performance engine is used in the A200 with power and torque increased to 154PS and 250Nm. The flagship A250 gets a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 208PS and 350Nm, and does 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 240km/h. 

The A-Class will sport the basic 6-speed manual transmission, with a option of the semi-automatic 7-speed dual clutch 7G-DCT transmission. The top end A 250 only comes as an automatic, with three drive modes, Economy, Manual and Sport, and paddleshifters. Both transmissions were developed in sync and share many parts. 

The A-Class will be assembled in India though details about engines and transmissions are awaited.