Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift launch tomorrow

Mercedes-Benz will launch the facelifted version of the A-Class hatchback in India tomorrow. The 2016 model gets the new elbaite green colour, few cosmetic changes and a slightly revised features list.

The changes to the exterior includes new bumpers both at the front and rear, new optional LED headlamps, LED band in tail lamps and different set of alloy wheels. The green colour is added to the list for the new model.

As for the interior, the A-Class now gets the larger eight-inch screen from the CLA, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, new three-spoke steering wheel and refreshed trim colours. While the powertrain for the European markets have also received a boost, the Indian version will continue to use the same set up. The luxury hatchback will be available with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 120bhp and 200Nm or the 2.1-litre diesel with a power rating of 134bhp and 300Nm. Both the engines are mated to the front wheels via the seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The A-Class is the last launch for Mercedes-Benz India in the ’15 launches in 2015’ strategy. While the larger cars in the company’s lineup have been moved to CKD, the A-Class along with the B-Class is still imported as a CBU. 

There will be a slight change in the nomenclature for the hatchback with the new model. Instead of ‘CDI’ badging for the diesel variants, the new variant will be called the 200 d. The prices of the new model will be marginally higher than the outgoing version, also Mercedes may reintroduce the base petrol Style variant without the sunroof, few other features and smaller alloys. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift rivals the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and the Volvo V40 hatchback in the Indian market.