http://theage.drive.com.a...rival-20110407-1d53n.html Tipping it will be a bit more expensive than a Golf. lol, more BMW market methinks
However a 2l turbo AMG version would be sweet!
Is it just me or does it look like the GTC?
"German brand's next-generation A-Class has been previewed by a stunning three-door concept.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed a radical-looking concept that confirms its next-generation small car will adopt a sportier hatchback design to take on rivals such as the BMW 1-Series and Volkswagen Golf.
The Concept A-Class abandons the tall-body styling of previous versions of the entry-level Mercedes for a more conventional three-door shape.
Despite the futuristic look, the concept that will go on display later this month at the 2011 Shanghai motor show is understood to be a strong guide to the design of the production A-Class that will go on sale in Australia in early 2012.
Advertisement: Story continues below The production A-Class is likely to gain a higher roofline and deeper side windows, while Mercedes insiders have indicated to Drive that, at least initially, the most affordable Benz model will feature four doors rather than two.
Mercedes' show car is visually related to last year's F800 Style, including dramatically creased flanks that are reminiscent of BMW's Z4 roadster.
There's also a strong hint of Audi design to the concept's rear end, but the front end is unmistakably linked to the latest Mercedes models with its large grille and bluff nose.
The new A-Class sits on an all-new flexible, modular platform that, as previously reported by Drive, will underpin an expanded range of baby Benzes.
The A-Class uses a lower-floor version of the front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive platform while models such as the next B-Class and an all-new baby SUV, codenamed internally as MLK, will be based on a higher-floor set-up.
Mercedes' Concept A-Class is powered by a 155kW 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder the manufacturer says will deliver "high performance and minimal emissions and fuel consumption".
The petrol engine will be joined by diesel engines such as Mercedes 2.1-litre four-cylinder units, and is teamed with the company's new dual-clutch gearbox.
An AMG badge will also feature on the new A-Class at a later point, with the hot-hatch expected to use a higher-performance 2.0-litre turbo engine sending power to all four wheels.
The concept's minimalist, futuristic cabin provides fewer clues to the look of the new A-Class's interior, though includes a more sophisticated version of the company's Comand interface system that can access all the applications and features of a fully integrated smartphone.
A radar-based collision warning system is also included, which is designed to help drivers avoid rear-end crashes by providing visual and acoustic warnings as well as pre-loading the brakes for sharper stopping response.
Mercedes-Benz Australia discontinued the A-Class locally in early 2010 owing to a showroom clash with its similar-looking B-Class twin. Greater visual differentiation between the two all-new models should avoid such sales cannibalisation.
The production A-Class will debut at September's Frankfurt motor show."
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