NEW TOP OF THE RANGE MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS

A new sporty 1.9-litre A-class flagship has been added to the range of the fastest selling Mercedes-Benz cars ever in Britain.

And all other A-class models will benefit from an enhanced specification, at no additional cost to customers.

The new 125hp A190 has a top speed of 123mph and a 0 - 62mph acceleration time of 8.8 seconds. With a close-ratio gearbox and greatly increased torque, the A190 is both dynamic and fun to drive.

Figures of 180 Newton-metres at just 4,000 rpm mean that the A190 will give relaxed low-revving and high-economy driving, but with plenty of power in reserve for whenever fast overtaking is needed.

It goes on sale in July and will cost £17,990 on the road. Like all other Mercedes-Benz cars, the A190 benefits from 30-year mobilolife breakdown assistance and anti-corrosion protection.

The A190 has 16-inch alloy wheels as standard and is fitted with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels. Safety features, such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and anti-lock brakes with the unique Mercedes-Benz emergency Brake Assist system, are all fitted to the car - no other car in its class has these features.

A190 models will be available in either Elegance or Avantgarde specification.

Since the A-class went on sale in the UK in October more than 9,000 models have been sold, making it the fastest selling Mercedes-Benz model sold here. The UK has one of the highest take-ups of Avantgarde models of any market.

From June production all A-class models will receive enhancements with no increase in prices which start at £14,490 on the road for the A140 Classic.

Elegance models will have high-quality leather trim on the instrument panel, centre console and gearshift, which will be colour-coded. On Avantgarde models the finish will be in metallic slate grey. A stainless steel exhaust tail pipe will be fitted to Avantgarde models and Elegance versions benefit from a front centre armrest.

Seats in all A-class models are more strongly contoured to give both the driver and front seat passenger firmer lateral and thigh support.

New optional equipment will also be introduced, including a fold-up front centre armrest, illuminated vanity mirrors, an AMG body styling kit and special designo interior colours. Cruise control can now be ordered on manual transmission petrol models and Speedtronic, which prevents a set speed being exceeded, is standard on all petrol models equipped with cruise control.

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