A Class model change?

DSD14

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Hi,

Sadly time has come to replace our trusty A160L. With over 8yrs trouble free motoring, we are strongly considering getting another A class?

Does anyone know if a model or shape change is due soon? if so when and to what extent?

I'm guessing with a 5+ year production run, the current shape must be due for a significant change?

Any thoughts or information on this topic would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Best wishes

Dalip
 

rhud

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Hi,

Sadly time has come to replace our trusty A160L. With over 8yrs trouble free motoring, we are strongly considering getting another A class?

Does anyone know if a model or shape change is due soon? if so when and to what extent?

I'm guessing with a 5+ year production run, the current shape must be due for a significant change?

Any thoughts or information on this topic would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Best wishes

Dalip

We seem to be talking about the back end of 2011 - ie two years from now. Rumour has it that the present car is :

1. Too expensive to make, given the sandwich floor and the way the engine has to be inclined to maximise interior space and provide for 'sliding under' in the event of a head-on crash and

2. This unique construction makes it more difficult to develop a family of models based on the same chassis.

This theory suggests that its replacement will be of much more conventional construction.

However, an alternative theory is that the sandwich floor makes it deal for an electric/hybrid car - which apparently was the original idea with the A Class all those years ago. There is already a 'fuel cell' B Class.

That is as much as I have gleaned - though others may have more reliable information.

Good luck with your decision.:)
 

kth286

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interesting thinking there.


(sadly the time has come to change our car even though it is running faultlessly for the past 8 years)
 

J400uk

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As rhud said, the date for replacement seems to be late 2011, a year later than initially planned. The current shape was facelifted just over a year ago, and the A150 was rebranded as A160, A170 as A180 and all A200 models dropped altogether.

Seems to be some confusion over what will replace it. Some places are reporting it will be more of the same, i.e. a small MPV/ family hatch with the sandwhich floor, whilst others are saying it will become a conventional supermini to rival the MINI, MiTo, A1 and 0-series, the latter 2 are due for launch next year. There is also some rumors that if it does become a conventional supermini, rather than using mercedes technology it will platform share with another manufacturer. There have been reports about possible partnerships with BMW (MINI), VW and another manufacturer that I've forgotten.

All we do know for sure, from a news report this morning, is that the engines will be part of a new range designed jointly between Renault and Mercedes.
 

hawk20

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All we do know for sure, from a news report this morning, is that the engines will be part of a new range designed jointly between Renault and Mercedes.

Not the A class. See Autocar: -
"Mercedes is planning to work with Renault on building the next-generation Smart Forfour, according to reports in Germany.

As an extension of Smart’s range, the original Forfour had a relatively short lifespan and was only produced between April 2004 and June 2006.

The original Forfour was co-developed with Mitsubishi and shared its underpinnings with the Colt.

The German reports suggest Mercedes has approached Renault about the possibility of building a new Forfour as part of its strategy of selling more small cars.

Mercedes plans to develop the next A-class and B-class in house, but it reportedly needs a development partner for the next generation Smart Forfour.

Neither company has commented on the reports."
 

J400uk

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Not the A class. See Autocar: -
"Mercedes is planning to work with Renault on building the next-generation Smart Forfour, according to reports in Germany.

As an extension of Smart’s range, the original Forfour had a relatively short lifespan and was only produced between April 2004 and June 2006.

The original Forfour was co-developed with Mitsubishi and shared its underpinnings with the Colt.

The German reports suggest Mercedes has approached Renault about the possibility of building a new Forfour as part of its strategy of selling more small cars.

Mercedes plans to develop the next A-class and B-class in house, but it reportedly needs a development partner for the next generation Smart Forfour.

Neither company has commented on the reports."

Are you sure about that? Quote from an article this morning:

"Later, the two firms will work on a range of new sub-1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. These will be used in higher-end versions of the Forfour, as well as the next A and B-classes and future generations of the Twingo, Clio, Modus, Mégane and Scenic."

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/245290/
 

hawk20

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Are you sure about that? Quote from an article this morning:

"Later, the two firms will work on a range of new sub-1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. These will be used in higher-end versions of the Forfour, as well as the next A and B-classes and future generations of the Twingo, Clio, Modus, Mégane and Scenic."

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/245290/

No. Yours is most recent quote. So could be right. I hope not. It would put me off a Mercedes if it had an engine shared with other makers.
 
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DSD14

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Hi David,
I see what you mean; almost an oxymoron!! Thanks.
Best wishes
Dalip
 

dave reid

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Hi Just joined today, now on my third A class, all diesels, all brilliant. Will be changing mine poss next year, dont fancy my 4th Merc with a Renault/Nissan engine, Dont want it being nailed together in Hungary either! Have a quick look at www.topspeed.com and search for 2011/2012 A Class and seewhat you think (Tasty!) Tried to get a comment from Merc customer service in Netherlands but they are staying tight lipped, (Quote) all details of new A class are under embargobut date for replacement poss 2012. Good luck and drive safely
 

rhud

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Since the original posts on this thread MB's intentions for the new A Class have become less and less of a secret. Like most car makers these days they seem increasingly paranoid about the over-riding requirement to court the 'youth' market and are annoyed that most A Class buyers at present are over 50.

Hence the new A Class will be quite different - seemingly going head to head with the BMW 1 Series. The B Class might continue in something more like its present form - MB's 'crossover' - maybe as hybrid.

Sporty A Class is not for me. Hence I've ordered a new one before they stop making them.
 

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