Some years back Mercedes-Benz increased their market penetration by introducing its small A-Class range with a more affordable, youthful and dynamic focus to traditional Mercedes ownership. An all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has just arrived – I drove it this week – only one new model at this stage, the A200 hatch followed progressively at year end by the all-wheel-drive A250, a new A180 and in second quarter of next year by an A-Class sedan. The new Mercedes A-Class cuts a bigger profile – longer and wider on a 30mm longer wheelbase – but despite this its 20 kilos lighter. The A200 gets a perky new 1.33-litre fuel-efficient turbo petrol engine. Also new is what Mercedes call MBUX multi-media system with widescreen cockpit and touchscreen with intelligent voice control, an exciting new feature – Mercedes suggesting it provides an emotional link between the vehicle, driver and passengers. At $47,200 its $2,900 dearer to the outgoing A200 but the added technology more than covers this price lift. I’m David Berthon

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