Mercedes A-Class Concept: a Dual-Clutch Turbo Hatch We Might Actually Get [NY Auto Show Preview]
 

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Marking a distinct departure from the current A-Class, Mercedes has unveiled a new second-generation of the car, transforming it from an urban runabout MPV to a stylish and sporty hatchback. And it’s not just the overall shape of the vehicle either, but its specific styling cues, moving away from a minimalist approach to a design that’s proud to wear the Mercedes grille and tri-pointed star.

Revealed in a detailed set of photos released by the manufacturer, Mercedes will present the car at the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows in just a few weeks time. The New York showing suggests this car will no longer be a stranger to U.S. soil.

Powering that car is a turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 210-hp and mated to a new dual-clutch transmission. Transversely mounted, this indicates the car is a front-drive model – although Mercedes doesn’t expressly say so.

Other highlights on the car include a radar-based collision warning with Mercedes’ Adaptive Brake Assist that warns the driver if a collision is about to occur and even primes the brakes to deliver full braking power when required.

As for the interior, it features a a fully-integrated smartphone, with the car’s many systems appearing on the phone screen and controllable through the knobs and buttons of the car.