Second Place is Failure

The Mercedes-Benz "A-Class" recently underwent a minor change and was unveiled at Mercedes World, located at Brooklands Circuit in the UK. The new A-Class features updates primarily to its front fascia. Particularly noteworthy is the enhanced Mercedes-AMG "A45 4MATIC" with increased horsepower.

"We are not resting on our laurels; we are constantly improving our products," stated Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, at the press conference. He explained that the motivation behind enhancing the A45 4MATIC, which aims to be the world's most powerful compact sports car, is...the previous generation...the understanding that "you never know when a strong rival might appear. Coming in second place is failure."

The new A45 4MATIC boasts a maximum output increased by 21 hp to 381 hp (280 kW), and its peak torque has risen by 25 Nm to 475 Nm. These are remarkable figures. Consequently, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced by 0.4 seconds to 4.2 seconds. Furthermore, with the optional performance package, the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h is removed, allowing it to reach a top speed of 270 km/h.

Moers proudly described the performance, which he likened to that of "supercars or superbikes," as being achieved through modifications such as changes to the exhaust camshaft and revised valve timing. However, he added, "We haven't done anything drastic. The turbo pressure remains the same; we've simply improved efficiency."

Returning to the Concept

"It may not be revolutionary, but it's clearly different from before." This is how Moers described the exterior of the A45 4MATIC. Specifically, the front apron, headlamps, grille area, and rear apron have been redesigned.

The entire A-Class line-up also received exterior enhancements. The front bumper now features what Mercedes calls an "arrow shape," a return to the design of the Concept A-Class unveiled in 2011. While the concept was highly praised, it's intriguing that the minor changes were based on returning to that concept model.

In terms of comfort, the seat functions have been revised with a larger adjustment range for the cushions. Simultaneously, enhanced connectivity with mobile devices, including smartphones, via "Apple CarPlay," "Connect me," and "MirrorLink," is a strong appeal for those interested in this vehicle.

Mercedes emphasizes the Drive Select system, which offers four modes: "Comfort," "Sport," "Eco," and "Individual." For the A45 4MATIC, the modes are "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+," "Individual," and a fifth mode, "Race."

Depending on the mode, the system limits the hydraulic flow to the dampers and uses parameters such as steering angular velocity during cornering to enable a more engaging driving experience.

Arriving in Japan This Autumn

Environmental performance has also been improved. Notably, the "A180d BlueEfficiency Edition (diesel)" consumes only 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (28.6 km/l), with CO2 emissions of 89 grams per kilometer, falling below the 2020 target of 95 g/km.

The A-Class lineup has also been refreshed. A significant piece of news is the introduction of the "A160" with 75 kW (102 hp) as an entry-level model in its home market. Additionally, manual transmission models have been added to the "A250" and "A250 Sport." The output for the A250 Sport and A250 Sport 4MATIC has been increased from the previous 155 kW (211 hp) to 160 kW (218 hp).

Mercedes World at Brooklands Circuit, the venue for the unveiling, is a comprehensive showroom that would be desirable in Japan. It combines a new car showroom and restaurant with a small museum and even a mini-circuit where visitors can choose and drive their preferred models for a fee. Although I haven't experienced the circuit here, it features long straights, and one could potentially drive non-everyday models like the "SLS AMG" (which is also available!) as well as consider more practical vehicles like the A-Class orC-Class, and SUVs.

Mercedes' confidence in the minor revision of the A-Class, touted as "the most advanced model in its class," suggests that by utilizing such venues, consumers can be made to understand its truth. The new A-Class, launched in September 2015 in its home market, is expected to arrive in Japan this autumn.

Mercedes-Benz A160
Body Dimensions | Length 4,299 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,433 mm
Wheelbase | 2,699 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,553 / 1,552 mm
Vehicle Weight (Dry) |
(6-speed MT) 1,370 kg
(7-speed AT) 1,395 kg
Engine | 1,595cc Inline-4 Turbo
Max Output | 75 kW (102 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 180 Nm / 1,200-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed MT or 7-speed AT (7G-DCT)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 195/65R15
0-100 km/h Acceleration |
(6-speed MT) 10.6 seconds
(7-speed AT) 10.4 seconds
Top Speed | 190 km/h
Fuel Consumption (Combined) |
(6-speed MT) 5.4-5.6 L/100 km
(7-speed AT) 5.1-5.4 L/100 km
CO2 Emissions |
(6-speed MT) 124-128 g/km
(7-speed AT) 119-126 g/km

Mercedes-Benz A180d BlueEFFICIENCY
Mercedes-Benz A180d BlueEfficiency
Body Dimensions | Length 4,299 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,433 mm
Wheelbase | 2,699 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,553 / 1,552 mm
Vehicle Weight (Dry) | 1,385 kg
Engine | 1,461cc Inline-4 Diesel Turbo
Max Output | 80 kW (109 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Max Torque | 260 Nm / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed MT
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 195/65R15
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 10.6 seconds
Top Speed | 190 km/h
Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 3.5 L/100 km
CO2 Emissions | 89 g/km

Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC
Body Dimensions | Length 4,299 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,433 mm
Wheelbase | 2,699 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,553 / 1,552 mm
Vehicle Weight (Dry) | ---- kg
Engine | 1,991 cc Inline-4 Turbo
Max Output | 280 kW (381 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 475 Nm / 2,250-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Trailing Arm
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 235/40R18
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.2 seconds
Top Speed | 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 6.9-7.3 L/100 km
CO2 Emissions | 162-171 g/km