Premium hatchbacks are a big favourite among us here at CarKeys, and the new trendsetter in the segment is soon arriving — the 2018 Mercedes A-Class!
It’s full of incredible tech and cool new features that set it as the new pioneer in the ever-popular class of luxury hatches. We spent some time behind the wheel of the latest tech-laden machine from Stuttgart’s finest, and here’s our favourite additions.
MBUX
An all-new infotainment system from Mercedes-Benz has arrived in the 2018 A-Class, and it’s called MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
It’s a total game changer in infotainment — bringing unparalleled levels of customisation and personalisation. Not only is it highly configurable, it also brings cutting-edge new features such as augmented reality-assisted satellite navigation — ensuring you never miss a turn again.
“Hey Mercedes”
Step aside Alexa and Siri, Hey Mercedes is here to shake up in-car voice control.
The cloud-based assistant is deeply embedded within the MBUX infotainment system, allowing vast control over the car’s functions. Feeling too hot? Just tell the car, and it’ll drop the temperature. And if you just want to chill out, just ask for relaxing lighting, and watch as the ambient LEDs create a calming atmosphere.
New efficient engine range
With ever-stricter emissions regulations incoming, it’s key for manufacturers to constantly evolve existing engine technology and that’s exactly what Mercedes has done with the new A-Class.
Highlighting the powertrain options is a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that features cylinder shutoff technology, which allows for increase in fuel efficiency when cruising at a constant speed. A new 2.0-litre option is on offer too, as is a 1.5-litre diesel.
More practicality and usability
While new tech and improved engines may grab the headlines, one lesser known thing about the A-Class is actually one of the most useful changes.
Better rear packaging means the 2018 model has gained more practicality — now boasting 29 litres more boot space over its predecessor at 370 litres. There’s also more space inside the cabin, while smaller pillars mean better visibility all-round.
S-Class driver assistance technology
The Mercedes S-Class is widely considered to be the pioneer of new car technology — and the new A-Class has directly benefited from that.
It boasts class-leading autonomous features taken directly from the luxury saloon, including the ability to read road signs and adjust speed accordingly, while also automatically judging approaching bends, junctions and roundabouts for safe movement with no driver input. There’s even automatic lane change assistance. Who said hatchbacks couldn’t be cutting-edge?
