Behold the face of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes has teased the new A-Class so much the poor thing ought to sue for bullying. Here’s the latest in the drip-feed: a shadowy image of the new car’s face. 

Very akin to the new CLS’s face, we think you’ll agree. Similar angular headlights, an almost Aston Martin-shaped grille with a dinnerplate-sized Mercedes star front and centre, and AMG-ish lower grilles. More handsome than the outgoing A-Class, we’d venture. How about you? 

While Mercedes has been relentlessly teasing the new A, it’s also let slip some details about the imminent Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series rival. It’s bigger, for one thing, to answer widespread condemnation of the current A-Class’s cabin space (there isn’t any). 

There’ll be a plug-in hybrid version soon, which will please tech-minded folk almost as much as the stunning interior, complete with twin 12.3-inch freestanding screens in top-spec versions. The A-Class is also the first Mercedes to get a clickwheel-free version of the Comand infotainment centre. Your move, Maybach. 

Naturally, the versions we’re looking forward to most will carry the letters ‘A’, ‘M’ and ‘G’ on their rapidly disappearing tailgate. First up, by the close of 2018, we’ll get an AMG A35, according to performance arm boss Tobias Moers. It’ll be a 300bhp-plus entry-level AMG, which will duel the Audi S3 and VW Golf R – not to mention the best hot hatches from Hyundai and Honda. There’s an embarrassment of talent in the £30k hot hatch segment right now. Dare you enter, A-Class?