With the likes of BMW’s 1-series and Audi’s A3 dominating the premium small car segment, Mercedes-Benz has finally decided to get serious and create a real contender for the segment. Expected to launch by 2011, Mercedes has given the go ahead on a project to completely revamp its A and B-Class cars.
According to AutoCar, Mercedes-Benz head Dr. Dieter Zetsche has given the green light to the plans that will see the A-Class turned into a 1-series fighter and the B-Class transformed into a serious competitor for the upcoming X1 small SUV.
The new A-Class — which is expected to be called the CLA — could spawn three different body types, but will initially be launched as a coupe. Mercedes decided on a two-door coupe instead of a three-door hatchback — like the CLC – to give the car a more upscale feel. In the long run, Mercedes expect the CLA — which will be priced at about £19,000 — to eventually replace the CLC.
Look for the CLA and new B-Class to be powered by a range of gasoline and diesel four-cylinders, with horsepower ranging from 120 horsepower to 200.
Mercedes hopes to boost its premium small car sales to over 280,000 by early next decade, a goal the new A and B-Class cars should help the German automaker attain.
03/27, 3:26 PM
posted by:
buenos
So that would make is the CLA-Class, for those with a st-st-st-stutter.
03/27, 3:39 PM
posted by:
bolex
buenos, lol
03/27, 3:40 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
Will they ever come to the US?
03/27, 3:44 PM
posted by:
e36m
If those cars are still fwd, they will never compete with the 1 series
03/27, 3:56 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
They are not meant to compete with the 1 series which is a RWD drivers sports car.
These are small runabouts for families
03/27, 4:04 PM
posted by:
maximus
is there going to be more “premium” features other than the price and gas type needed?
03/27, 4:32 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
They just promoted the guy who designed these abortions so that they can be revamped.
03/27, 8:40 PM
posted by:
autonut
Those fuglies should be re-drawn and redesigned completely. There is nothing to update there. They not exactly selling either.
03/27, 10:10 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Why can’t these arrogant bastards just admit they f*cked up the first time?
03/27, 11:14 PM
posted by:
Veda
Ditto autonut, the A and B have been failures in many countries as well. Here’s a quote from one of the largest shareholder of MB spoken directly to me at a meeting, “The German exec thinks cheap Mercedes is the A Class… the C Class is the bare acceptable model for a Mercedes. This is why the C has to move downmarket to significantly increase overall sales. People aren’t stupid enough to get a car like the A Class just for the star.”
03/28, 8:28 AM
posted by:
maximus
depends on where they price it at?
03/28, 11:42 PM
posted by:
Veda
For those who never sat in an A Class, imagine being in a Honda Fit/Jazz. I don’t have much exposure to the B Class, so no comment there.