NBK Automobiles launches sporty A-Class

Sheikh Khaled al-Thani and Sheikh Faleh al-Thani with NBK Automobiles officials at the launch ceremony.

Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles, the exclusive dealers of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, launched the highly-awaited sporty A-Class 250 and 45 last week at an event held at the company’s showroom on Salwa Road.

The 2013 A-Class debut in Doha continues the model’s global success with its unique design, becoming a driving force in the compact car segment. So far, a total of around 2.2mn cars of the A-Class have been sold. The second generation alone, which was launched in 2005, has sold more than a million cars.

The A-Class enjoys particularly high demand among customers in Europe, with Germany ranking the highest, followed by the UK, Italy and France.

Khaled Shaa’ban, general manager of NBK Automobiles, said: “The new A-Class is the pulse of a new generation at Mercedes-Benz, which has taken the opportunity to design a completely new vehicle that sets standards in its segment. It was amazing to see that over 50,000 orders for the new A-Class were received by global headquarters even prior to the market launch. We are confident that the A-Class will generate high interest in Qatar as well.”

With the sporty compact model, Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter: the new A-Class 250 and 45 are emotive in design, with powerful engines ranging from 80kW (109hp) up to 155kW (211hp), efficient with emissions and a best-in-class drag coefficient together with high safety. The standard specification also includes, among other things, the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist system.

Exceptional features are also offered by the original accessories, which set standards in terms of infotainment - in particular with the Drive Kit Plus for iPhone.

With airconditioning, Audio 5 USB, electric windows all round, headlamp assist and a 12-button multifunction steering wheel, the A-Class is fully equipped even in its base configuration. With the Urban, Style and AMG Sport appointment lines, three design packages (Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive) as well as further optional extras, the model can be customised to suit every individual’s taste.

The A-Class is equipped as standard with a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The attention assist drowsiness detection system also comes as standard. The Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system is also available for the A-Class for the first time, while Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control is available as an option. The A-Class also protects its passengers with up to nine airbags.

A wide choice of petrol and diesel engines meets every power requirement and reaches new heights in terms of efficiency and environmental compatibility. All engines of the new A-Class feature the Eco start/stop function as standard. The engines can be combined with the new six-speed manual transmission or optionally with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmissions available for the A250.

The sporty appearance of the new A-Class can be enhanced further with the new accessory range. The Mercedes Sport range comprises, among other features, a spoiler lip for the front apron, a high-gloss black radiator grille, high-gloss black exterior mirror housings and waistline trim strips, a roof spoiler and diffuser-look rear apron trim. In addition, a variety of light-alloy wheels round off the original accessories range for the A-Class.