Mercedes-Benz unveils the 2016 A-Class hatchback

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2016 A-Class hatchback. This car will be displayed at the upcoming 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show and is the first major update for the German automaker’s highly successful hatchback.

The new A Class gets a minor cosmetic makeover with some styling enhancements and additional features. The fascia boasts of a reworked headlamp design with optional LED headlamps and LED DRLs. The front bumper, air intakes is new and the car also gets a new pattern for the alloy wheels. As well as new colour options. The changes at the rear include a revised taillight design and a new diffuser with integrated dual exhaust tips.

The cabin of the car also gets some changes and new features. The instrument console is upgraded and a new multifunction steering wheel has been introduced. The carmaker has also introduced new colour themes, trims and revised seats. The interior also features a new eight-inch COMAND infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

On the powertrain front, the entry level A 160 comes powered by a 100bhp 1.6-litre petrol mill, while the A 180 D BlueEfficiency employs the 107bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine. The A 220 D diesel and A 250 petrol engines have been tweaked for a power hike of 7bhp each. The company has also changed the CDI nomenclature to just 'D' to denote the diesel variants.

The sporty model, A45 AMG, still gets the 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor, but it now produces 375bhp of power. A 7G-Tronic automatic transmission is standard across all the models and automaker has also introduced DYNAMIC SELECT adaptive suspension system as standard in several variants.

We can expect the same engine options to be offered for the Indian market but in a different state of tune. Mercedes-Benz will start deliveries of 2016 A-Class for the European market this September. We can also expect the new A-Class to be offered in our country by the end of this year or by early 2016.