Mercedes-Benz has revealed its A-Class concept which hopes to revitalise its smaller car range and attract a younger audience to the German brand.

The sporty and muscular concept points towards what the next generation A-Class will look like when it goes on sale next year. It will help Mercedes to compete against the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.

The A-Class concept features a new turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a dual clutch transmission, radar-based collision warning system and adaptive brake assist.

Mercedes is launching its new CLS, a new C-Class coupé, SLK, SLS Roadster this year and will launch a new M-Class, SL and B-Class on a new front-wheel drive platform and then the new A- Class in 2012.