Mercedes-Benz recorded a 7.4 per cent rise in UK registrations for January 2013

With the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the company was able to post a 7.4% increase in registrations for January, according to figures that SMMT released. The C-Class Saloon was among those that had the strongest performance in January. It also topped the very competitive market segment with a 12.8% jump compared to the same period in 2012. The E-Class Saloon also posted a stronger beginning for the year, with a claim that it took the No. 1 spot in its segment with a 30.9% increase in registrations. AMG posted a 75% increase in registrations for January as it kept its position as the performance brand in the UK with the quickest growth. The registrations for the high-performing C 63 AMG Estate increased by 125%. Due to the deterioration of the weather, the M-Class’ registrations fell by 386.3% compared to January 2012, securing a significant 14.4% share of the market segment. The new A-Class took a 6.2% share of its segment in the month that sales began in the UK. This is a commendable start for a new model that will be joined this June by the CLA four-door coupé. In the same way, Mercedes-Benz has entered the small van market with its introduction of the new Citan. They were registered before its introduction to the market in the future months. According to Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK, the company started 2013 as a “re-energized” company with high momentum and as the quickest rising performance brand.

Audi preparing an S3 Cabrio for the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

or the first time ever, the Audi A3 cabriolet will be offered as an S3. It will be four-wheel drive and will deliver 296bhp. Meanwhile, the new cabriolet (which has more power) will be presented this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was spied to feature quad tailpipes. The cabrio is based on the new A3 saloon. It’s likely to have a bigger boot space than the old model, which has already stopped production. Because of switching to the saloon body, the car becomes a bit longer too. The two cars will be produced at the same plant located in Hungary. The new model will keep the existing car’s fabric roof in order to maintain its weight and complexity as well as its costs. The S3 cabrio is believed to offer a strong performance. The S3 hatch, when equipped with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.1sec. This means that the cabrio is easily capable of hitting a time of less than 5.5secs. Cars that have the standard six-speed manual will be slightly slower. The engines for the standard A3 cabrio range will be similar of those for the hatchback’s. The saloon is slated to begin towards the end of 2013 while the cabrio is likely to follow in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG Edition 1 will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG "Edition 1" will have its world debut on March 5 at the Geneva Motor Show. It has a sales release date of April 8 and it will be launched to the market in Germany this June. It is truly a standout when it comes to its technical performance as well as its looks. Like the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, the fully appointed "Edition 1" model variant comes with an impressive series of details for its exterior and interior. The motorsport link is emphasized on the A 45 AMG "Edition 1". The exterior paint finish in cirrus white matches up to the AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey on the bonnet, roof and sides. Meanwhile, there are red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors and rear aerofoil. These bright points are played up further when combined with the red painted brake callipers and the AMG multispoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with special AMG hub caps in central-locking look.

Meanwhile, the 8 x 19 light-alloy wheels are covered with 235/35 R 19 tires. The "Edition 1" gets the AMG Night package and the Aerodynamics package feature as standard, offering the ideal finishing touch to its motorsport-inspired theme. The interior of the A 45 AMG "Edition 1" is dominated by black and red. The AMG Performance seats use ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfiber with red contrasting stitching

4wheelnews.com.