Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Mercedes-Benz
Rendered speculation: Mercedes A-class
When Mercedes decided to aim for the entry-level luxury market in the U.S., the best they could come up with was the C230 Sport, which, because of an anemic powertrain and a high cost of ownership, never quite made it into primetime. In Europe, the A-class subcompact pseudo-minivan hasn't caught favor with as big a chunk of the populace as expected either, so with both those lessons learned, Merc is going back to the drawing board.According to AutoZeitung, the M.B. boys are developing a compact hatch to rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series in the burgeoning compact-luxury class. The rendering, which can be viewed in full by clicking here, may be a close resemblance to what may make it to market at the turn of the decade. Drawing cues from the recently redesigned C-class, the A-class hatch has several distinctly Audi design elements, partnered with the new Mercedes grille. If coupled to the right combination of diesel- and petrol-powered engines, this could be a real success both in the U.S. and abroad.
An argument can be made that Mercedes shouldn't set its sights so low, again. But, if such a vehicle comes to fruition, we'll keep such judgments to ourselves – until we get to drive one.
[Source: AutoZeitung (Google-Translated)]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jit 2:26PM (6/02/2007)
That grill looks mean. It remind me of the 300SLR and 200SL. They should use that grill design on the SL, CL and the rest of the Coupe and Roadster ranges as they did back in the 50's till the 90's. Its instantly recognised a Merc grill.
For the A-class, B-class and C-coupe, they should consider just killing off the lines as history shows with the a-class and 1 series, that you can't make money on this sector unless you share a cheap platform rather then shrinking a 3series or C class. Audi have Volkswagen Golf to thank for it sucess. Stick to building big cars which you are good at
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James 2:42PM (6/02/2007)
Looks like a rebadged 2dr Caliber..
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Johnny 4:08PM (6/02/2007)
I think it looks pretty good, everything but that disgusting Pontiac wheel design!
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James 5:55PM (6/02/2007)
the headlights looked like they were borrowed from the imprezza/wrx
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goat 7:47PM (6/02/2007)
Yes! The article says it will be RWD!
There should never have been a FWD Mercedes-Benz. It's good to see that they've acknowledged that.
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cxvargas 3:47AM (6/03/2007)
If MB wants to bring the A and B class to the US they should consider selling them under the Smart brand since in the US the MB traditional customers prefer a SUV, large/sporty sedan, coupe or convertible not a Golf size MB. This works fine in Europe but not that well in the US.
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JC3 9:16AM (6/03/2007)
Love the grille.But instead of a hatch(for america)they should do a hipper 2 door coupe w/a short trunk like the upcoming BMW 1 series.Mercedes needs to get away from some of the nerdt (R,A,B class)stuff and get hip.Get with it baby!Then young buyers will start looking.M/B is in danger of turning into a old persons car.
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ruggels 9:04PM (6/03/2007)
oooh the c230... yeah that pretty much did it for Mercedes, such a piece of anemic crap. It's a pity the US dealers are too pretentious to bring the A class over (and the SMART of course) - I wish Mercedes would get over itself and try harder... it sounds like they are but I'll withhold judgment until this new c230 lands and proves it's not another horribly crappy car for 'me-to' high school students in southern California.
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66coronet 9:30AM (6/04/2007)
If you click on the picture and read that article. It also talks about the A & B & UC class sharing the C class platform. RWD.
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