Mercedes teases next A-Class ahead of unveil

Mercedes-Benz has released new teaser images of its next A-Class ahead of the car's unveiling this week, on February 2 at a special VIP event in Amsterdam.

The latest images, released over the weekend, include a shadowy head-on image that suggests the entry-level Benz will be heavily inspired by the CLS, which was recently launched at the LA motor show in November.

As well as sharing its boomerang daytime running lamps, the fourth A-Class is set to raise the bar for quality and in-car tech with the small German hatch benefiting from a smaller 10.3-inch version of the firm's latest twin-12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster introduced by the latest S- and E-Class. Similar to the one used on its far higher-priced siblings, the infotainment screen can be operated by a new touch pad. Mercedes has also provided a glimpse of the small BMW 1 Series rival's classy cabin and full-length panoramic sunroof.

Featuring a two-tone black and red leather interior, the A-Class teased also features a pair of figure-hugging sport seats.

Mercedes will spin off a conventional sedan for the first time, as well as a CLA four-door coupe and Shooting Brake wagon from the smallest model in the range. All variants will be based on the German car maker's modular MFA platform.

Previewed by the Shanghai Aesthetic A sculpture that was unveiled last April, the A-Class might also spin off a long-wheelbase sedan version for China and even a small convertible.

Helping it bring significant efficiency gains over the outgoing model the A-Class' MFA-2 underpinnings will make great use of ultra-high-strength steel and aluminium to slash the kerb weight, despite the fact the A-Class will be longer, wider and taller than the current model.

Like the latest E-Class, the baby A-Class model family will come equipped with semi-autonomous cruise control and driving aids that include self parking.

New technology introduced to the compact Mercedes is a new car-to-car communication feature. Car-to-X allows the small hatchback to share live traffic information with other road users.

Under the bonnet there's a full range of turbocharged petrol and diesels that come combined with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. More powerful versions, meanwhile, will come with the car maker's nine-speed automatic. Mercedes' fuel-saving mild-hybrid 48-volt electric tech will also migrate to the small hatch.

Front and all-wheel drive will be offered, with the latter standard on the high-performance A45 AMG models that will boast power well in-excess of 300kW.

A less powerful A35 AMG is also set to be offered to rival the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The A-Class hatch is likely to hit Australian dealers before the end of this year, with sedan and CLA variants expected to follow in 2019.

Full details are anticipated to be revealed late our time on Friday, along with more accurate on-sale dates.