Mercedes-Benz A-Class new look

Gone is the single-box profile for a more conventional hatchback style and gone is the unique sandwich platform for a more conventional transverse front-wheel drive layout.

But you couldn’t call the A-Class concept conventional with its lowered aerodynamic styling that Benz says is inspired by wind and waves, and aviation engineering.

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the A-Class concept represents the company’s design directions. “The A-Class is probably one of the first cars that shows where our styling is going,” he says. “It’s a car we’re very excited about.”

Which means Australia will re-introduce the mini MPV after dropping it more than a year ago from their range. “We made the decision to stop selling A-class and reposition B class and now we are selling more B-Class than A and B put together before,” he says.

Stamoulis says timing for Australia “is yet to be confirmed”. “It’s no secret that we are wanting younger people to be introduce to our brand,” he says.

“Historically our customers are a little bit older – not that there is anything wrong with that – but we want younger people and want them to stay. But this vehicle will not only appeal to the young, but to people who want something sportier.” Stamoulis says there will be a number of variants available with petrol and turbo-diesel engines, but could not confirm a hybrid.

The A-Class concept will debut concurrently at the New York and Shanghai motor shows this month. It features a first in the compact class – radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist to lower the risk of rear-end collisions.

Inside is a cockpit dashboard the shape of an aircraft wing. Other jet-inspired features are the air vents, instrument cluster, centre console and gearshift lever. Although the concept is a four-seater, the production version is expected to accommodate five people.

Mercedes will debut the new B-Class production car in September at the Frankfurt motor show.

Stamoulis says we can expect to see it ere in the first quarter of next year. “I’m confident the new B-Class will do extremely well here,” he says.