| | More Youthful and Attractive than Ever |
August 25, 2008 - Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong has officially launched the new generation A- and B-Class. Both models are now more youthful and attractive than ever before. This is ensured by an all-round design makeover, an even more attractive equipment package and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. The newly developed active parking assist helps the driver of the A- and B-Class when finding and reversing into a parking space.
Since its world premiere in 1997, the A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in the compact car segment. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and typical Mercedes reliability have always been among the strengths of the A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million male and female drivers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.
Viewed from the front, the sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The likewise redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasizing the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the A-Class.
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| Upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics |
| Mercedes designers also paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade fabrics/ ARTICO man made leather and door linings. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminum enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. |
| B-Class: The Sports Tourer in better shape than ever |
| Mercedes-Benz has also developed the B-Class further in design and technical terms. The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with new leather upholstery, plus selected leather for the seat cushions. The restyled front end injects the B-Class with even more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three louvres painted in matt silver with chrome trim and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper and the restyled light-alloy wheels– whose design emphasizes the large air intake at the bottom – as well as the modified bonnet. |
| Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic |
Mercedes-Benz has also made further improvements to the safety of the A- and B-Class. The adaptive brake light introduces technology from the luxury class into the compact segment, which therefore benefits from a further accident prevention system as a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond more rapidly and prevent a collision.
Mercedes-Benz has now added to this extensive safety technology with crash-responsive emergency lighting for the interior. This is switched on automatically following an accident of a defined severity, providing the occupants with better orientation and facilitating the work of the emergency services.
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| Parking Assist for easier parking |
When finding and reversing into a parking space, drivers of the A- and B-Class can be aided by the active parking assist feature. Using newly developed, side-mounted ultrasonic sensors, this system identifies suitable parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing, then informs the driver by means of a display. If he or she engages reverse gear, acknowledges the display message, active parking assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the car into the parking space. The driver only needs to control the gear change and car speed with the throttle and brake pedal; the ultrasonic sensors of the PARKTRONIC system assist in this by keeping them informed about the distance to the vehicle in front of and behind the car.
Mercedes engineers have also added a new function to a well-proven support system: the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) now has an automatic hill-start assist function which prevents the car from rolling backwards when the driver changes from the brake pedal to the accelerator when moving off on an uphill gradient.
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| The Amazing 3-D Experience of Virtual B-Class in Pacific Coffee |
You can also "experience" the new generation B-Class during coffee break now. From 25th August to 30th September 2008, a Mercedes-Benz kiosk of virtual B-Class will be located at five selected shops of Pacific Coffee Company®. Simply place the specially-made postcard of B-Class onto the kiosk scanner, a virtual 3-dimenional new generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class will appear on your postcard. You can view the car with different angles by simply rotating your card. Please visit the below Pacific Coffee branches to experience it yourself.
- Tsim Sha Tsui Branch – Shop 207 Main Lobby, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Central Branch – Shop G28 & 29, G/F Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central
- Wan Chai Branch – Shop 106-110, 1/F Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wanchai
- Causeway Bay Branch – Shop 113-115, 1/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
- Quarry Bay Branch – G/F Dorset House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay
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