After a production run of seven years and some 1.1 million sales worldwide, Mercedes-Benz opened another chapter in the A-Class success story by launching a new model boasting even greater appeal and innovative flair.

The new A-Class model range comprises two body versions, each with their own distinctive character: the versatile five-door version is now joined for the first time by a three-door model.

Despite having identical dimensions, the different side design of the three-door version gives a distinctive, unique appearance. Sweeping lines and generously proportioned windows ensure an even more dynamic look.

As for the interior, one slight difference between the two versions lies in the seat functions. The end result is a compact vehicle with sporty, youthful styling.

Both the three- and five-door versions come with a choice of engines and three different design and equipment lines. Power output of the brand new or re-engineered four-cylinder engines has been upped by as much as 38 per cent, while fuel consumption has been cut by up to ten per cent.

The one-of-a-kind body concept and the eye-catching one-box design set the Mercedes compact car aside from other cars in its segment. The lines of the body-shell capture the special nature of the new A-Class, as well as epitomising its overriding characteristics: dynamism, intelligence and appeal.

Restyled headlamps, a bolder radiator grille, powerfully contoured wings and the sweeping lines along the sides combine to reinforce the overall impression of compactness, dynamism and self-assurance. The growth in the body's dimensions and proportions now gives the A-Class a more powerful stature: compared to the previous model, the new compact car from Mercedes measures 232 mm longer from nose to tail and an extra 45 mm of width.

In addition to the dimensional concept, seat design and improved ergonomics of the new car's interior, with climate control, also pays a central role in enhancing the safety and comfort of the passengers. To this end, Mercedes-Benz fits the new A-Class as standard with a powerful air-conditioning system and also offers its compact car with Thermotronic as an option, which self-regulates its operation using data from sensors on temperature, sunlight, humidity and pollutant levels in the ambient air.

Also supplied as standard are the hosts of systems, which can help prevent an accident. Intelligent systems like the electronic stability programme seek to prevent critical situations occurring wherever possible.

But even if a collision cannot be prevented, the A-Class is well prepared. The sandwich design, an intelligent variation of the crumple zone, makes the A-Class a very safe place to be.

Peace of mind with the A-Class can be enhanced not only because of its safety features but also due to its environmental compatibility. Along with recyclable steel, lightweight alloys and plastics, the component materials of the A-Class include renewable natural resources.

New powertrain technologies reduce fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions. Needless to say, all the diesel engines are Euro-4 compliant.