Mercedes-Benz began production of its new A-Class sub-compact in Rastatt, Germany this week, joining the new B-Class that has been built in the same plant since September 2011.
The A-Class has not previously been sold in Canada but the new model is expected to become available here.
"And there is more to come, " said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "(A) compact SUV will be the third model we will build here in Rastatt."
The new A-Class, which is available in Europe with engines ranging from 109 to 211 horsepower in output, is said to have a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27.
Demonstrating the brand's commitment to safety at all price levels, the A-Class incorporates a radar-based Collision Prevention Assist system as standard equipment, along with the usual suite of safety technologies expected in a Mercedes-Benz.
The company ultimately plans to build five new models off what it calls its compact architecture. In addition to the A-Class and B-Class, and the SUV just announced by Dr. Zetsche, there will be a coupe and another, as-yet undefined, "sporty and emotive vehicle."