The new Mercedes A-Class W177 celebrates its premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The BMW 1 Series rival from Stuttgart is presented in its fourth generation as a further sharpened evolution of its predecessor, which has made the series much more youthful and opened a new target group for Mercedes. Our live photos from Geneva show the A-Class in bright red and AMG Line, undoubtedly the sportiest version.

The A 200 model is powered by a four-cylinder with 1.4-liter displacement, this sends 163 hp and a maximum of 250 Newton meters of torque to the front wheels. The gasoline engine is available as a 6-speed manual as well as with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top model is the A 250 with 224 hp, and also there is the new A 180 d with 116 hp. All models go with the front-wheel drive at launch time; the all-wheel drive 4MATIC is not available at market launch.

Inside, we see the Widescreen Cockpit with two displays under a cover glass which embeds the new infotainment system MBUX.  Optionally, a head-up display is also available for the new Mercedes A-Class.

The range of assistance systems is particularly comprehensive offering several systems that are not available for either the BMW 1 Series or the Audi A3. Naturally, with the market launch of the new BMW 1 Series F40 in 2019 and the new A3, the two Bavarians should at least catch up.

Prices for the new Mercedes A-Class W177 start at 30,232 euros for the A 200 with front-wheel drive and manual transmission, the 7-speed DKG A 180 d is available from 31,398 euros.

[Photos: Bimmertoday]