Could Mercedes be onto a winner with its Concept A? The model previews some of what we will see on the 2012 Mercedes A-Class and so far, we like it. The fact that we never liked the original A-Class probably helps too, but Mercedes has radically redesigned the model from a compact, city MPV into a coupé-like hatch.

The Mercedes Concept A will be revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show and will appear soon after at the 2011 New York Auto Show, too. You can check out all the design details in the pics, and while many probably won’t make it to production, including the star-studded grille, it’s a faithful representation of this totally revamped model.

So far, the Mercedes A-Class concept gets a four-cylinder, two-litre turbo engine with dual clutch shift designed specifically for the front-wheel drive, transverse-engined model. The engine is a direct-injected unit and in the 2.0 version at this stage produces 210 hp. The new clutch is part of a renewed BlueEfficiency package which should keep fuel consumption and emissions down.

Mercedes Concept A: first pics of the new A-Class

The concept has got plenty of bells and whistles with 3D Comand Online navigation and internet connectivity on the inside, and tech features like Collision Prevention Assist and Adaptive Brake Assist. Even the LED lights have been made with 90 different optic fibres. No news as when we’ll get to see this in Europe, but we imagine a production version will turn up sometime soon.

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