Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its new A and B-Class cars. Arriving in dealerships later this month, all models have been subject to a small price increase, which Mercedes accounts for with the addition of standard equipment that was previously optional. A new entry-level diesel model, styling updates and driver-assistance features complete the mid-cycle refresh.

The A-Class variants have been given newly designed headlamps and a redesigned front bumper with a lower air intake and a restyled grille. Meanwhile, the B-Class has also been given a new look with a similarly restyled front end and a modified bonnet. Exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants, giving the car a more coherent look. Finally, the B-Class' rear tail lights now sport a high-brilliance design and the large tailgate also comes with a new 'ergonomically enhanced' chrome handle strip.

Parking a breeze with new assist feature standard for Metro package cars
In both the new-generation A- and B-Class, the Metro package now includes Mercedes-Benz Active Parking Assist.  Through the use of enhanced side-mounted ultrasonic sensors, the system identifies suitable parallel parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing.  A "P" on the instrument cluster indicates that the search is in progress, which is active up to 35km/h and measures the length and depth of possible parking spaces between two cars.

When the system identifies a suitable parking spot, an arrow appears on the display to inform the driver on which side of the road the parking space is located.  If the driver engages reverse, they are asked to accept Active Parking Assist on the display.  Once activated, the system automatically takes over the steering and manoeuvres the car into the parking space, leaving the driver to simply operate the brake and accelerator accordingly.

Diesel joins the lower end of the range, but pricing rises for all
Mercedes is also ushering in a new diesel model with the introduction of the A 180 CDI. The A 180 CDI is priced from $39,900, and its small diesel engine uses an average of just 5.2L/100km.

Pricing for the entry level A 170 two-door moves up to $35,500 while the A 170 moves to $37,900, up $500 and $400 respectively from the previous generation models. The new-generation A 200 two-door is priced from $45,900, up from $45,100, but now features as standard an MP3 CD player as well as a Bluetooth hands free system. The A 200 four-door's price increases $300 to $47,900. On top of the MP3 CD player and Bluetooth kit found in the two-door, the four-door also gets an auxiliary input, iPod integration and USB, while the Elegance model line now gets electric front seats with seat heating. The range toping A 200 Turbo is now priced from $49,500 (up from $48,600), an increase of $900.

The new-generation B 180 CDI and B 200 are priced from $46,200, up from $45,800, but now include as standard a 6-disc MP3 compatible radio, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration and new 16" alloy wheels. The range-topping B 200 Turbo is now priced from $52,800, representing a $400 increase over the previous model, and gains the same previously-optional equipment as standard as the B180 CDI and the B200.

Mercedes Benz A and B-Class gallery

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