2013 Mercedes A-Class is a big hit with buyers

The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is safe, but it's just one of the qualities which has made the luxury compact a big hit with a new generation of customers.

The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has just been awarded five stars for outstanding occupant safety from the European safety organization Euro NCAP. The new luxury compact from Mercedes is one of the safest small cars on the road. And while young consumers are looking for safe vehicles, it’s just one of the many qualities that the new A-Class has to offer.

A-Class safety

The new A-Class ranks high with the top safety testing from Euro NCAP for all-round protection for occupants in the event of frontal, rear or side collisions. But Mercedes doesn’t stop there. The German automaker goes far beyond the impact configurations defined as the basis for international type approval in Europe, the USA and Asia. Mercedes-Benz also conducts its own extremely stringent crash tests, such as roll-over and roof-drop tests.

Prof Dr Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars says, "Our vehicles also feature a whole range of further systems that are not taken into account at all in the Euro NCAP rating. These reflect our focus on preventive systems and the avoidance of accidents."

The A-Class comes standard with the radar-supported Collision Prevention Assist system, Attention Assist, brake hold function, Hill-start Assist, and the brand's Pre-Safe system, which prepares the vehicle for an impending crash. Optional safety features include Distronic Plus and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

Attractive pricing

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class represents a new entry into the growing luxury compact segment and competes with the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A3. Prices in Germany start from $29,340 for the A 180 BlueEfficiency, and comes packed with luxury and safety features. It offers a sporty “emotive” exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior. A total of 90,000 orders have already been received for the car and with an attractive price below $30,000 it’s no wonder sales are so strong in Europe.

Extensive accessories

The A-Class comes with a whole host of options and accessories for buyers to choose from. The base A-Class comes well appointed with features like air conditioning, Audio 5 USB, power windows, Headlamp Assist and 12-button multifunction steering wheel. But Mercedes has included optional features that are often found in more expensive models. Those include the Intelligent Light System, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function or dashboard finished in Artico man-made leather.

The new A-Class also offers a new accessory range in the area of infotainment. The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone provides access to the Digital Drive Style app, developed in-house by Daimler. Features include the advanced navigation solution from Garmin, with internet-based, real-time traffic information, online POI searches including Street View and 3D map display. Other functions include Facebook, Twitter and AUPEO! Personal Radio in Europe.

Appealing to a new generation

The new luxury compact from Mercedes made its production debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and was a big hit with consumers. The automaker's goal here in the U.S. is to hook a new, younger set of Mercedes-Benz loyalists with the all-new A-Class. And while we won’t see the new luxury compact here until sometime in 2014, the car is already a huge hit in Europe with 90,000 orders that have already been received for the car since sales commenced this summer.

Safety is just one of the qualities of the A-Class which has made it a hit among European customers. Along with attractive pricing, and a long list of accessories, the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class should be a strong contender in America’s growing luxury compact segment as well.