A few years ago Audi released a saloon version of its A3 and scored a surprise sleeper hit.
Now Mercedes is getting in on the act, announcing prices for its first A-Class Saloon.
On sale now, prices start from £27,675 and the saloon is available in one of two trim levels – Sport and AMG Line.
Go for a diesel option and you’ll get a 1.5-litre engine with 116bhp and 260Nm of torque, which means it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 10.5 seconds.
It delivers up to 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle, and emits 110g/km of CO2.
On the petrol side of things the A 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre engine has a which produces 163bhp and 250Nm.
It returns up to 51.4mpg and emits 121g/km of CO2.
All engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Standard equipment with Sport trim includes twin 7in displays, one of which is a central touchscreen with multimedia system and “Hey Mercedes” voice activation.
There’s also a DAB radio, 17in alloy wheels, automatic two-zone climate control, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, and keyless starting.
Stepping up to AMG Line trim adds equipment including 18in alloy wheels, AMG sports body styling and a sports steering wheel.
In addition, equipment packages are available including Executive, which expands the central touchscreen to 10.25in and adds active parking assist, heated front seats and upgraded mirrors.
Premium also adds all this equipment, plus a 10.25in cockpit display, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, full keyless-go, an upgraded sound system and a rear armrest.
Premium Plus builds on these with electric memory seats for the driver and front passenger, multi-beam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and a panoramic sunroof.
The new A-Class Saloon is on sale now with first deliveries commencing early in the new year.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk