The Concept A-Class provides an indication to the look of the current A-Class hatchback's replacement, and the car ditches the existing model's tall-boy minivan look, for a sleeker form, with its long bonnet and low roofline. The new A-Class will go head to head with its German rivals like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, and it is expected to go on sale by 2012.

The Concept A-Class' styling also includes details such as the prominent Mercedes-Benz grille, concave surfaces and sweeping lines, which are not expected to make it to production. But Mercedes-Benz will keep the general shape of the sporty-looking concept.

Inside, the Concept A-Class features individual seating for four occupants, and futuristic designs, which are also not expected to make it to production. However, details such as the air vents, steering wheel and instruments could find their way into the production model.

The new A-Class will ride on a new front-wheel drive platform codenamed MFA, which is believed to stand for "Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture". The concept car is powered by a four-cylinder petrol unit from Mercedes-Benz's new M270 engine series and combines both direct-injection and turbo-charging technology. The 2.0-litre engine produces 210bhp, which are sent to the front wheels through Mercedes-Benz' new dual clutch transmission.

Technological features on the Concept A-Class include a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist and the daytime running lamps that consist of 90 optical fibres with aluminium sleeves, and are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp.