Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new A-Class, which will go on sale in March with first deliveries in June.

It takes a step-up in luxury, borrowing driver assistance technology and design elements from the range-topping S-Class saloon.

Semi-autonomous driver assist systems are available for the first time, and Multibeam headlamps are also available.

New diesel and petrol engines will be available from launch with CO2 emissions of 108g/km.

Mercedes says the new A-Class is the “aerodynamic leader” in its segment, utilising an adjustable front grille to improve performance.

The interior of the new A-Class is where the biggest change has taken place. It uses a freestanding widescreen display, the same as in the E-Class and S-Class, in place of conventional instruments.

The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which also ushers in a new era in Mercedes me connectivity.

Its luggage compartment is 370 litres – 29 litres more than in the preceding model. Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20 cm wider than before too, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm longer.

At launch there will be a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. The A180d is the most frugal with CO2 emissions of 108g/km and an average 68.2mpg. It develops 116PS and can reach 62MPH from rest in 10.5 seconds.

The A200 petrol is the only engine available with a manual gearbox, the others get a seven-speed DCT auto. It has an output of 120PS and CO2 emissions of 120g/km (auto). The A250 develops 224Ps and emits 141g/km.