Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

We were just talking about the A-Class yesterday and what the future holds for Merc's most diminutive model, and the German automaker reveals the redesigned 2009 model right under our noses. The updates fall far short of a full redesign, but the exterior of the A-Class in both five- and three-door models gets tweaked with new headlamps, bumpers and front grille (is it smiling at us?). The side-view mirrors have also been made larger, and body-colored door handles are standard across the lineup. The interior gets a swath of new fabrics, and also a larger stowage compartment in the center console with new cup holders. We know, exciting stuff. Hardware-wise, the A-Class does benefit from the availability of an engine start/stop function on two of its petrol-powered models, the A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY and A 170 BlueEFFICIENCY. The A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has also been upgraded and is even easier on fuel than before.

The rest of the A-Class updates can be found in the Mercedes-Benz press release after the jump, which unfortunately includes no mention of new models in the lineup for now. As we said yesterday, the entire A-Class lineup will likely be revamped around 2011, so these updates announced today will bridge the gap between now and a better A-Class of tomorrow.


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]