The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class compact hatchback is undergoing some tests, and it has been spied. The German auto giant has already previewed the new design of the A-Class sedan with the Aesthetics A design study. The new A-Class is confirmed, and the front end of the vehicle will look like the one on the hatchback version.
Based on the spy photos, the size of the new A-Class will be similar to the one of the ongoing hatchback, which is visible in some images. Because of the stretched rear doors, we can conclude that the wheelbase is longer, which means that the new model will be more spacious.
Although the test vehicle is under a heavy camouflage, it appears that Mercedes plans to install the central screen in the dashboard instead of just attaching it, as it is done in the ongoing version. Furthermore, the side mirrors will move from the base of the A-pillars to the doors, which means that the driver will have a better view of what is happening on the road behind him/her. At the top of the windshield, we see some strange details, which are probably driver assistance sensors.
The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback will be based on the next-gen of the current MFA platform the company uses for compact cars. The new architecture is named MFA2, and because of it, the new car will be lighter, but the chassis also opens a possibility for alternative drivetrains. The upcoming B-Class, CLA and the A-Class sedan will be based on stretched version of the same platform.
Infiniti also planned to use the same underpinnings for its new compact vehicles, but they gave up on the idea. The reason why they abandoned this project is that the MFA2 is not compatible with the company’s variable compression engines. On the other hand, the Mercedes’ models should receive I4 units combined with dual-clutch transmissions.
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Release Date
The ongoing A-Class went on sale in 2012 for the first time, and the new car will be launched in 2018. The 2018 Mercedes A-Class hatchback most likely will not go on sale in the US considering that this segment is not quite popular.
