When the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class was revealed back in early February, the official press photographs showed the new W177 model in all its high-specification glory. But now images of the base-spec derivative have emerged online, courtesy of MB Passion.
Devoid of lavish optional equipment and as entry-level as a Mercedes can be (well, unless you count this very basic X-Class), the base-spec A-Class in the German market runs on 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps and makes do with halogen headlamps (with integrated daytime running lights) rather than full-LED items.
The radiator grille, meanwhile, features a toned-down mesh design, while the lower front bumper arrangement is far more restrained than that of the AMG Line model. Round back, the biggest departure compared with the higher-spec models is the lack of visible exhaust outlets and a more basic bumper design. Look closely, and you’ll likely also notice that the base-spec derivative does without a high-mounted brake light, while the tail-lamps, too, appear to be of a slightly different design.
Inside, you’ll find black fabric covering for the front seats, no leather on the steering wheel and a black finish for the single-zone climate control system’s turbine-style air outlets, as well as the most basic version of the free-standing widescreen display system, comprising a pair of seven-inch screens (as opposed to the pair of 10,25-inch monitors in the poshest version).
Still, the so-called “poverty spec” A-Class does feature some interesting standard equipment, from rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps to a few driver assistance functions (such as active lane-keeping assist and speed limit assist), keyless start, tyre pressure monitoring and four driving modes.
Again, we must point out that this is the base-spec model from the German market. We’ll have to wait until closer to the local launch in the third quarter of 2018 to find out what the cheapest version of the A-Class will look like here in South Africa.
