As the hatch segment drives volumes in the Indian auto market, several automotive brands across the world are compelled to offer a small car for India. While BMW recently offered the MINI from its portfolio of hatchbacks, Mercedes has the new A Class lined up.
Mercedes Benz will launch the new A Class for the European market in September 2012. India is expecting a 2013 debut, with the Chakan facility in Pune providing the assembly of the CKD kits.
Power plant specifications:
| Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|
| A180: 1.6-litre; 120 bhp / 200 Nm | A180 CDI: Renault 1.5-litre K9K; 108 bhp / 260 Nm; 26 kmpl; 98 g/km of CO2. |
| A200: 1.6-litre; 154 bhp / 250 Nm | A200 CDI: 1.8-litre; 134 bhp / 300 Nm; 23 kmpl. |
| A250: 2.0-litre turbocharged engine; 208 bhp / 350 Nm; 0-100kmph in 6 seconds; top speed: 240 kmph; Fuel-economy: 16 kmpl | A220 CDI: 2.1-litre; 168 bhp / 350 Nm; 0-100kmph: 7.8 seconds. |
In India, the A Class will compete in the luxury hatch segment against the MINI and VW Beetle. Apart from the new A Class, Mercedes Benz has 4 more small cars lined up for next 3-4 years.
