Update - A set of images of the 2016 Mercedes A45 AMG (facelift) have been updated to the end of the story.
Gets an updated exterior and new equipment.
Part of its huge lineup at the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt is the facelifted 2016 Mercedes A Class range, which will go on sale at the end of this month in the local market.
The exterior design has not been facelifted significantly, but comes with features like optional LED headlamps with new LED DRLs, an arrow-shaped front bumper and re-designed set of air intakes, while the AMG Line trim sports larger intakes and the characteristic red line across the lower bumper. The A45 AMG goes one step further, and comes with an even more aero-aggressive front bumper and a pair of side canards.
At the back, it sports updated LED clusters, and a dual exhaust system. The AMG Line pack models features a new set of dual exhaust tips, while the full-fledged A45 AMG comes with a large rear wing, and a new bumper with a meaner diffuser and quad exhaust tips.
As for the interior, equipment changes include a new multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel designs, a re-designed instrument cluster, and a larger 8-inch free-standing COMAND infotainment display support for Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.. The facelift also adds new upholstery colours and trim materials for the dashboard.
A new fuel efficient variant called the A 180 d SE is introduced in the latest lineup, which produces the same 109 hp and 260 Nm of torque, but returns an improved fuel economy of 28.5 km/L (NEDC cycle).
The A 220 d and A 250 AMG Line gets a 7 hp power bump, and now delivers 177 hp/350 Nm and 218 hp/350 Nm of torque, respectively. The power figures of the A45 AMG also gets boosted to 381 hp and 475 Nm, making it the most powerful hatchback in the world. This enables the A45 to hit 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. A DYNAMIC SELECT with “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Eco” and “Individual” modes is available with the automatic option. A 4MATIC AWD system is optional in lower variants and standard in the A45 AMG.
For the Indian market, Mercedes could introduce the facelifted A Class in the first half of 2016, although it’s unclear if it will continue following the CBU route or enter the CKD channel.
Also on view at the Mercedes-Benz stall at the IAA 2015 is a driving school car application of a Mercedes A180 d variant.
2016 Mercedes A45 AMG at the 2015 IAA - Image Gallery
2016 Mercedes A Class (facelift) revealed - Press Release
[Slideshare link]
