Mercedes-Benz A-Class News

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced an expansion of its A-Class range, with the arrival in February of the new entry-level A180 ahead of two more A250 variants.The additions bring the variant count to five, but that will expand further with the eventual arrival of the sporty AMG A35 and A45 models as well as the sedan that is expected in the second quarter of next year.The A180 is priced from $42,300 excluding on-road costs, which means the A-Class has a higher entry price than any of its rivals in the premium small car segment.Audi’s A3 range kicks off from $36,200, BMW’s 1 Series starts at $39,990 – which is the same starting price for the Volvo V40 – while the Lexus CT200h is $40,990.Benz’s previous-generation A180 was sold for $38,700, meaning the new version represents a $3600 price increase.The A180 uses the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the A200, but power is down by 20kW/50Nm to 100kW/200Nm.It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels, has a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100km and can dash from 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds – 0.8s slower than the A200.The A180 will be offered as standard with the 'MBUX' multimedia system that includes two 10.25-inch screens and the company’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command.It also comes with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, smartphone integration, keyless start, 'Artico' sports seats, LED headlights, lane keep assist, active parking assist with ‘Parktronic’, blind spot assist with an exit warning, active brake assist, traffic sign recognition and a reversing camera.The 'Style Equipment Line' is standard and includes a diamond-look grille and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, but those hoops are from June production. Until then buyers must pay extra for optional 18-inch wheels.Benz will also introduce a front-wheel-drive version of its limited A250 that launched in '4Matic' guise in early December. The FWD version is priced at $48,800 – a $700 decrease compared with the all-paw A250 – but its equipment list matches its sibling.There is also now an A250 4Matic with AMG Line from $54,800 that adds 18-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, AMG Line body styling, Night Package with privacy glass, keyless start, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and Artico and Dinamica upholstery.All A250 variants are powered by a 165kW/350Nm four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that propels it from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class pricing

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of safety recalls, led by American Special Vehicle’s converted Ram 2500 and 3500 pick-ups.

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will launch 12 all-new or updated models in 2019.

Australia’s authority on vehicle safety, ANCAP, has awarded the A-Class hatch flying colours for its safety performance, while commending the Lexus ES for its impressive active safety features.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of safety recalls with seven separate call backs affecting 12 Mercedes-Benz models.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific will, for a limited time, offer a higher-spec version of its A-Class hatchback that adds more grunt and an all-paw driveline.

Mercedes-Benz is working on a new in-car app that will help owners dodge car parks with high crime rates.

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its new entry-level model, the A35 4Matic, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month before hitting Aussie showrooms in the latter half of 2019.

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has been teased ahead of its offical debut, with the cut-price hot hatch set for a Paris Motor Show unveiling.

Mercedes-Benz has released images and high-level specification details of its new A-Class sedan ahead of the car's public debut.