Mercedes-Benz debut the new A-Class at Geneva

Mercedes has ditched the mini MPV design concept of its A-Class to welcome a sharper, sportier and low slung hatchback design concept for the latest A-Class model. Officially unveiled in Geneva motorshow, the new A-Class is now a sleek hatchback measuring 4,292mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,433mm tall. The car is a massive 409mm longer, a scant wider by 16mm and equally massive 160mm lower compared to the previous A-Class. 

The first and second generation of Mercedes A-Class

In a way, the original A-Class was an innovative piece of engineering with its patented "sandwich" platfrom which allows the engine to slide down and rearwards in the event of an accident to better protect the occupants in what essentially a much shorter chassis than any contemporary Mercedes-Benz car at that time. Although plaque by the 'elk test' earlier in its life cycle, Mercedes has succeed in rectifying that by modifying the suspension and include the stability control systems with the car. The second generation of A-Class introduced in 2004 continues with the same format, with further refinement to the "sandwich" platform which has been redesigned to correct the original W168 faulty ride and handling. With W169, Mercedes has succeeded in  improving the ride and handling as well as injected some touch of class in the cabin architecture and material usage.

The third generation model is however entirely different in concept. It rides on all-new platform dubbed MFA (Modular Front Architecture) that features a transverse drivetrain packaging driving the front wheel. This essentially differentiate the new A-Class from its Munich rival, the new 1-Series. Adopting a FWD layout may means the deletion of the ultimate driving satisfaction provided by the RWD setup, but it should give the new A-Class an advantage in more efficient interior packaging.

The new A-Class adopts the latest Mercedes corporate face in the shape of prominent bulging headlamps consistent with the new SL-Class. The front grille is distinctively more upright. At the side, there's strong character line that sweep deep from the waist and curved upwards as it approach the rear end. The rear fascia is very well sculpted in design, with the rear light pushed outwards. Overall, the new A-Class has a more planted stance than the weedy foot print of the current model. For an added dose of aggressiveness, Mercedes also offered a Sport version which for the first time, the performance specialists from AMG were involved in the development of the compact class from a very early stage. The result is the most dynamic version of the new model series - the A-Class Sport 'engineered by AMG'. The A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers. Hints of red on the AMG front and rear aprons also serve to emphasise the expressive positioning of the new model.

The interior is an amalgamation of the trend originally set by the SLS with retro-inspired circular aircond vent and a flat centre console design. However, the A-Class, not unlike the B-Class has been fitted with the free-standing screen at the top of the console. All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. There is also an option allowing a smartphone to be fully integrated into the operating and display system. A special app makes it possible to use the full functionality of the iPhone®, and in due course also of other smartphones, in the car.

For the engine option, both gasoline and diesel are available from the launch, where all of them are turbocharged and paired with ECO start/stop function to enhance fuel economy and reduce CO2 emission. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has achieved the emissions of just 99 g/km of CO2 with this model.

The petrol engines are available with a displacement of 1.6L and 2.0L. The line-up starts with A180 with 1.6L turbo producing 115 hp followed by A200 with same engine, albeit with higher-tuned to produce156 hp. A250 uses the turbocharged 2.0L lump kicking out 211 hp. All of these petrol engines feature the aforementioned turbocharging, as well as direct injection systems with advanced combustion process and an extended stratification range for lean-burn operation that uses fast-acting injectors for the multiple injection of the fuel as well as on-demand multi-spark ignition. The 1.6L engine features the new valvetrain system dubbed CAMTRONIC where it is capable of adjusting the valve lift on the intake side restricts the amount of fresh mixture used in the partial load range, so reducing consumption.

The diesel engines also offer an impressively high level of efficiency thanks to a sophisticated injection technology and turbocharging. The A180 CDI is powered by 1.8L lump offering an output of 109 hp and 250 Nm of power and torque, while the same engine in A200 CDI has a maximum output of 136 hp and 300 Nm. The A220 CDI is equipped with a 2.2L version, punching out 170 hp and 350 Nm. All engines can be paired either with the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new A Class will reach the dealership by September 2012. However, as per the Volvo's move with the new V40, this car will not be going to the US. More photos of the new Mercedes A-Class can be found after the jump.

Seat Toledo Concept

SEAT will unveiled a thinly-disguised fourth generation SEAT Toledo in Geneva Motor Show next week. The new  Toledo marks the return of Toledo nameplate to a more conventional sedan concept, which the 3rd generation unsuccessfully drifted into the midi-MPV arena.

SEAT Toledo traditionally is based on the VW Golf platfrom, but with an added rear overhang to give a massive boot, even greater than the VW Vento which is the Golf-derived sedan. The first two generation were designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and shares major parts with the rest of VW model such as Audi A3, Skoda Ovtavia, and VW Golf ( including Bora). However, the 3rd generation dramatically shift into the midi-MPV arena, when chief designer Walter de Silva penned that generation Toledo into the unsuccessful Renault Vel Satis format. Refer photos below for the evolution of Toledo generations of cars, the 3rd gen is on the right-most.

The latest Toledo concept adopts the classic proportion of a saloon, with a clearly defined 3-box design. Its design language is a further development of the new SEAT corporate  design  with a powerful and solid stance, clear and precisely-executed surfaces and lines, and with the new SEAT signature headlamp design. SEAT has previously presented its new style language with the highly acclaimed IBE, IBX and IBL concept cars. 

The SEAT Toledo front end design is characterized by the trapezoidal radiator grille with honeycomb mesh, with the lower radiator opening adopting the same meshing pattern. The  pentagonal headlamps holds some distinctive features too with the chromed ‘wing’ between the main headlamp and daytime running light.

  

Meanwhile, the broad rear lights also underscore the mature styling of the new SEAT saloon, while the entire rear end conveys the impression of quality and solidity with its few, simply drawn lines. However, MMN is beginning to feel the somberness of cold Germanic design, which influenced anything from the VW Jetta to Proton EMAS ( and P3-21A) to certain extend. The rear fascia especially, is very familiar sights among the VW Group.  More elaboration after the jump.

The thundering 1 Series - BMW M135i Concept

BMW has released the information about its latest interpretation of the 1 Series range with the introduction of the M135i Concept. The new car is part of the BMW M Performance Automobiles range, which consists of the likes of M550dX launched last month. The M135i Concept is set to be showcased on Media Day of Geneva Motor Show on 6-7 March 2012. The M135i Concept embodied the sporty and youthful looks of the 1 Series into the 3 door body styles, with a dose of aesthetic injection synonymous with BMW M Performance model. 

The car is powered by tuned 3.0L in-line 6 TwinPower engine which BMW described as producing beyond 300bhp. In the standard guise, the N55 unit produced 300bhp@5800rpm and 400Nm of torque spread between 1200 to 5000rpm. Within the industry, there is a whisper that the engine is set to kick out 320bhp in this hot hatch application.

Apart from the beefed-up drivetrain, M135i Concept also has been suitably pumped up aesthetically with new front bumper with gigantic air intakes to supply the fresh air to the engine and ancillaries including the front brakes, which now comes with Blue caliper as per the F30 M Sport. The 3D designed flaps on the air intakes aim to impart the racing pedigree. The rear end has been uprated too to enhance the wide-look of the car with the lower apron finished in Dark Shadow Metalic. The rear apron also housed the double tail pipe outlet.

The uprated brakes are housed within the new 18" alloy wheel, which in turn are suspended by reworked suspension setup to handle all the increased in the power department. Although being labelled as a Concept for the time being, it is no secret that the production model is not far from reality, depicted by the exterior similarities with 1 Series M Sport package, as well as the establishment of BMW M Performance Automobiles division to cater for these kind of specialized product. More photo to satisfy your Bimmer appetite after the jump.

Volvo V40 - details and gallery

Volvo is set to introduce the most stylish car ever to wear a Volvo badge in Geneva Motor Show this year. After a series of scanned brochure, magazines and facebook leak, now we can witness the full resolution of Volvo latest hatchback, including the interior pictures.

Mixing the best of Volvo current design elements such as the S60 front fascia ,latest V60 glass house silhouette and the strong shouldered rear end design from the XC60, the V40 represents the best culmination of Volvo design so far.

The new V40 is 4,369mm long, 2,041mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,445mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,647mm. This puts the car squarely within the road space occupied by its rivals which include the likes of BMW 1 Series.

The engine selection mirrors those on the Volvo S60 which include the turbocharged 1.6L in T3 and T4 state of tune and a 2.5L T5 punching out 251bhp. The diesel range will include 1.6L in D2 state producing 113bhp, 2.0L D3 with 148bhp and topped by the same engine in D4 tune that produced 175bhp.

Also revealed for the first time is the V40 cabin, or to be spesific the Instrument Panel design. Loosely following the same trend as per the S60, the elements from the afore-mentioned model has been further refined with the prominent outlines for the driver upper fascia instrumentation which include the meter binnacle, control screen and dual-outlet aircond duct with chunky surrounding. The thin-panel centre console continues to feature four rotary knob flanking the climate control and audio fascia. The seats appear as comfy as Volvo's seat traditionally always are.

The new V40 adopt some intricate detailing to boost its aerodynamic credentials. The rear spoiler for instance has been optimized to reduce the drag by adopting protruding fins and staggered spans for the spoiler design. The rear fascia of the car is highly curvaceous, highly sensual  in its raked rear screen and swept back rear combi and blackened portion on the tail gate panel. Very Volvo, but very modern indeed. The V40 could replace both S40, V50 and C30 all in one swoop, and there's a rumor within the industry that the car also could spawned a XC40 crossover to battle it out with BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

More glossy photos after the jump, and what a photo they are!

Infiniti Emerg-E eco-supercar revealed

The design of the Infiniti Emerg-E was leaked out from the patent office earlier this month. Now, the real deal has been revealed ahead of its Geneva unveiling. Emerg-E is the concept car by Infiniti, designed to showcase the svelte new Infiniti design cues and the range-extender drivetrain. The drivetrain is mid-mounted in this application. At the moment, details are still scarce, but the wait is just two weeks before the Geneva Motorshow raise its curtain. For now, just enjoy the Japanese concept car that is as stylish as the Italian!

Catch more of the breathtaking view of this gorgeous car after the jump.

2012 Kia Cee'd exterior styling released

Kia has released the photo of their European Kia Cee'd model earlier this week with single frontal image. Now the exterior sets have been fully released, with the side profile and rear fascia revealed for the first time. The new Cee'd followed the trend set by current Kia model in adopting a sharply defined character line, with prominent lights and grille as well as well-decorated body panel, preventing a slab sided looks to all its car.

The front and is characterized by more sculpted version of Kia tiger corporate grille, with a more elaborate and elongated outline. The outward pointing of the grille vertical part lends a more aggressive stance when combined with wide-opening lower radiator intake, which the slim opening in the middle, steeply enlarged at the outer edge while housing an accented fog lamp casing. The headlamp features the LED DRL at its lower area, while the hoof is crisply indented at the central portion, giving a dynamics look at the front end. 

Not unlike the recently launched Kia Optima K5, the designer did not run out of their creativity as they progressed from front to the back. The outer part of the rear combi features a character line than run upward from the bumper. While the graphic itself lacks any dramatic features, it lends a mature looks to the rear fascia, especially with garnish-free rear tail gate panel. The rear bumper is also maturely flat, punctuated by only the license plate housing and a blackened garnish adopting similar trend to the front, lower bumper grille. More after the jump.