Bosses at Mercedes are...

Bosses at Mercedes are taking us from B to A! Following the launch of the revised B-Class last week (Issue 1,005), the firm has pulled the wraps off its facelifted A-Class.

In a bid to tackle premium class-leading competitors such as the Audi A3, the supermini gets a makeover to its exterior, as well as a range of mechanical tweaks which enhance economy and reduce emissions.

The biggest changes come at the front, with swept-back headlamps, a bigger, bolder grille and a deeper bumper featuring a wider air intake.

Larger mirrors and body-coloured door handles feature, while the tail gets bold wraparound rear lamps incorporating adaptive brake lights. When slowing quickly from speeds above 30mph, the units flash at high frequency to warn following drivers.

Inside, changes to the cabin have been kept to minimum, with the addition of a larger cubbyhole and cup-holder between the front seats, plus revised trim colours and the option of aluminium dash inserts. Technology fans will be pleased that Mercedes’ PARKTRONIC system will be an option. This combines ultrasonic sensors and electric power-steering to identify a suitably sized parking space, and then guide the A-Class in – so all the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals.

There are further changes beneath the bonnet, where tweaks to all the engines in the line-up increase fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

But the biggest savings are provided by the new BlueEFFICIENCY models. These variants are the most frugal in the range, and are Identified by special aerodynamic bodykits and low rolling resistance tyres. The entry-level 80bhp 1.6-litre oil-burner will return an impressive 62.7mpg and emit only 119g/km of CO2.

Choose either the 1.5 or 1.7-litre petrol-engined derivatives, and you’ll also get a stop-start system for efficient urban running. All models feature regenerative braking which recovers energy when the car is slowing down.

The wraps come off the A-Class officially at this week’s Leipzig Motor Show in Germany, and the newcomer is due to hit UK dealers in July.