Mercedes-Benz launches A Class hatchback in Petrol and Diesel

Mercedes-Benz launched it's A Class premium hatchback today, in an effort to target another niche in the luxury car segment. This car will be the entry point to the brand. 

The A Class has been launched in both, Petrol and Diesel variants. The A 180 CDI Style is priced at Rs 21,93,500 and the A 180 Sport costs Rs 22,73,500 (a difference of 80,000 between the Diesel and Petrol variants). Prices are ex-showroom Mumbai.

Interestingly, the diesel is cheaper than the petrol. The car is currently fully imported as a CBU, with local assembly scheduled for a later date.   

The A 180 CDI Diesel comes with a 2.2 L, 4 cylinder engine that makes 107 BHP and 250 Nm of Torque. The A 180 Sport comes with a 1.6 L Petrol engine that makes 121 BHP and 200 Nm of Torque. Both engines are mated to Merc's 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Diesel is slower in the 0-100 Kph stakes (10.6 seconds versus 9.2 for the Petrol). 

The A 180 Sport gets the following goodies over the A 180 CDI:

• Polished stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system with oval tailpipes.
• Power tilt /sliding tinted-Panoramic glass sunroof with one-touch function.
• Different Seat fabric and diamond pattern trim.
• Sporty instrument cluster with silver-coloured dials in "Chequered Flag" design, with red needles and multifunction colour display.

Apart from this, both models share the same equipment list. 

Mercedes has packed the A Class to the gills in terms of features, and both models are very well equipped.

The A-Class comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), electric parking brake, ABS (Antilock Braking System), Brake Assist System, Attention Assist and Hill Start Assist. Both driver and passenger get front airbags, window airbags and side-impact airbags. The driver gets an additional knee airbag. 

17" alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps with 'Headlamp Assist' and cruise control are standard on both models. 

The A Class will come with Star Ease and Star Care packages. Mercedes says that there will be special pricing for the spare parts. Extended warranty for the 4th year will be offered.