Mercedes A-Class prices announced

The new Mercedes A Class, which totally revolutionises the A-Class name, will start at £18,945 when it arrives in December.

The A180 BlueEFFICIENCY, powered by a 120bhp, 1.6-litre petrol engine, will kick off the range, gaining an Audio 20 CD/radio with 5.8-inch colour display, USB input and Bluetooth connectivity.

Move up to SE spec, and you get a body coloured grille, comfort suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. With the same A180 petrol engine, the SE starts at £20,125. The SE is also available with a super efficient A180 CDI diesel engine, emitting just 98g/km CO2 while returning 74.3mpg.

Sport trim gets an even wider choice of engines, including the A200 petrol and A200 CDI diesel – the latter hitting 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds when twinned with the seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The Sport adds 17-inch wheels, a chrome grille and twin exhaust pipes, and starts at £21,240 with comfort suspension and cruise control as standard.

Completing the range are the AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG models. The former starts at £23,445 and adds the Dynamic Handling Package and sports suspension. It also gets some aesthetic AMG styling cues like 18-inch alloys and a subtle bodykit.

The Engineered by AMG model gets red brake calipers and unique alloys, as well as bi-xenon headlights and privacy glass. It's only available with the A250 petrol engine and costs from £28,775.

Options include the Drive Kit Plus, which will allow owners to comprehensively access the content on their phones, via the SIRI function built into all new iPhone handsets.