"Engineered by AMG" is the catchword shared by the three sporty compact models, the A 250 Sport 4MATIC, CLA 250 Sport and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC, which can be ordered from 7 October. The same day is also the sales start date for the entry-level diesel, the CLA 180 CDI. At the same time the traffic information provided by COMAND Online will become even more precise thanks to Live Traffic Information, and the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone 5 can be ordered for the A-Class, B-Class and CLA. The new Mercedes-Benz compact models have already been very well received by customers, and since the start of the year they have shown a sales increase of more than 60 percent against the previous year.
The new Sport models have a number of technical features in common. They are powered by a 1991 cc our-cylinder engine. This generates 155 kW (211 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1200 rpm and 4000 rpm. The more sportily configured 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is standard equipment, and customers have a choice between front-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
The vehicle’s particularly dynamic driving qualities are characterised by features that include a front axle developed by Mercedes-AMG and an AMG sports suspension that has been tuned to match, plus AMG speed-sensitive sports steering. The sporty driving characteristics are also enhanced by the special engine and transmission configuration, as well as modified ESP intervention. The exhaust note is also more emotional thanks to a modified exhaust system.
The design of the Sport models also lives up to their name. The equipment line "AMG Line" is standard, with "Sport" badges embellishing the front wings. The Sport models are fitted with exclusive, black-painted 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish, are shod with size 235/40 R 18 tyres all-round and have red-painted brake callipers. In addition, red detailing on the AMG front and rear aprons further underlines the dynamic positioning of these models. The highlighting effect is carried through into the interior, with designo seat belts in red and floor mats with "Sport" lettering.
The new entry-level diesel version of the four-door coupé, which was recently voted the most beautiful car in the compact class by the readers of "auto, motor und sport" magazine, is the CLA 180 CDI. It generates 80 kW (109 hp) from a displacement of 1461 cc, and 260 Nm of torque are available from 1750 rpm. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, the CLA 180 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h. The lively diesel model sets new standards when it comes to fuel consumption: only 3.9 litres of fuel (combined) flow through its injection nozzles per 100 km, corresponding to 102 g of CO2 per kilometre.
The COMAND Online multimedia system has been brought fully up-to-date. Thanks to real-time traffic information, the navigation system is considerably better informed about the situation on the roads. Fully up-to-date traffic data are now transmitted by the "Live Traffic Information" service, which evaluates anonymised data recording the movements of TomTom navigation system users and mobile phone users. This ensures that precise information about traffic holdups on both the planned and possible alternative routes is sent to the vehicle in real time.
