Making a global debut in June 2015, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) facelift has officially landed in Malaysia. The new facelift brings along a revised exterior and an updated interior.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will add a new variant to its line up, which now includes the new A 180, in addition to the A 200, A 250 Sport and A45 4Matic.
From the exterior, the front bumper has been updated to feature a design that’s closer in resemblance to the 2011 Concept A-Class. The front grille now receives a diamond design as standard, while some variants can be had with optional LED High Performance headlights. Moving to the rear end, the facelifted W176 receives a pair of revised rear lights and the rear mufflers are now integrated into the bottom of the rear bumper.
Moving to the cabin, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift now receives the same tubular instrument cluster from the CLA-Class and GLA-Class, with new switches and an 8-inch infotainment system. The new infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. Dashboard and trim materials have also been upgraded with new colours, as well as a new seat design.
Starting from the entry-level A 180, this 1.6-litre turbocharged engine pumps out 122 hp at 5,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque from 1,250 rpm till 4,000 rpm, this variant comes standard with the 7G-DCT automatic transmission, Eco Start/Stop, comfort suspension, Dynamic Select, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Pre-Safe, Adaptive Brake Lights, Driver Knee Airbag, Curtain airbags, front passenger airbag deactivation, run flat tires and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The A 180 comes standard with a set of 18-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels (AMG Wheels are optional), LED High Performance Headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night Package, Urban Package and Mirror Package. The interior consists of Artico and fabric, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles, illuminated door sill panels, rear arm rest and sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors. The A 180 comes with electrically-adjustable front seats with memory, adjustable lumbar support, Thermatic automatic A/C, Attention Assist, cruise control, reverse camera, active parking assist and rain sensing windscreen wiper. Infotainment is backed by an 8-inch media display with the Audio 20 system with CD player. The A 180 retails for RM195,888, OTR without insurance.
Moving one level up to the A 200, this variant also sports an identical 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, though with 156 hp at 5,300 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,250 rpm till 4,000 rpm. Kit is similar to the A 180, but the A 200 adds Sport Suspension, Direct Steering and Tirefit. This AMG-Line variant adds AMG Bodysytling on the outside, and is matched to a set of 18-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels. Inside, the upholstery consists of Dynamica and Artico black, as well as black roof liner. Infotainment system in the A 200 is backed by a 8-inch Media Display with an Audio 20 system with CD player. The Mercedes-Benz A 200 retails for RM205,888, OTR without insurance.
Sitting above the Mercedes-Benz A 200 is the 211 horsepower A 250 Sport. Features of the A 250 Sport is identical to the A 200, including the Sport Suspension, Dynamic Select, Direct Steering, driver knee airbag and TPMS. The A 250 Sport also comes with the AMG Bodystyling kit with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels. The A 250 Sport has a retail price of RM238,888, OTR excluding insurance.
The range-topping A-Class in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s lineup is the A45 AMG 4Matic, which boasts a total of 381 hp at 6,000 rpm and 475 Nm of torque from 2,250 rpm till 5,000 rpm. Power is transferred to all four wheels via an AMG SpeedShift 7-speed DCT hooked up to the brand’s 4Matic system. This AMG variant features the AMG Ride Control sport suspension, 19-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels, red painted calipers, AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Performance Exhaust System, rear spoiler and AMG Night Package. The interior is adorned by AMG Sport leather upholstery, red design seat belts and heated front seats. The driver and front passenger also gets a pair of AMG Performance Seats. The A 45 AMG also comes with the AMG Performance Steering Wheel, AMG E-Select Shifter and AMG Key. This variant has a retail price of RM348,888, OTR exclusive of insurance.
The DYNAMIC SELECT system allows the driver to alter the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning at a touch of a button. When optioned with the adaptive suspension, the driver can adjust the vehicle’s damping via the DYNAMIC SELECT modes. A total of four driving modes will be available, namely Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual. The Eco mode has been revamped to provide even more savings.
