2011 Mercedes plots seven new

Two bodies are no longer sufficient to Mercedes. The three-pointed star is drawn seven new variants A, B and class of his rival for the next generation of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

The official name is New Compact Car class (or NCCC), but it is a relative term as the next A class of measures 4280mm in length, the crossover BLK (4440mm) is the BMW X1 and the four-door coupe CLC (4560mm ) is only marginally shorter than the facelifted C-Class

That already sounds like a lot of models. What are the seven variants and Class B Mercedes designed it?

There is a class A five-door, a class three-door A, convertible Class A, Class B, crossover BLK, CLC a four-door coupe and five-door van CTC. To be built in Hungary and Germany, the new baby Benz are certified for most major global markets, including China and North America, the first being considered as an overflow of the production base for up to three different volumes.

The new Class B, is targeted at so-called "money managers" who are primarily interested in the versatility, comfort, economy and visibility of the target audience is the BLK 35 45, slice, with the CLC to connect the difference age of greater prestige among compact crossover model and the high ceiling. The chart at the beginning of sales volume, attractiveness and functionality a class is the backbone of the family clearly with the National Shooting Brake CTC acts as a black horse deluxe.

If the class does not go three doors to the production of the next 24 months, can produce enough volume to justify its role as a price leader, but sources say that the coupe has come to strengthen margins. This means it can be paired with up to pricier convertibles, and even though these two types of body have not yet been approved, it would certainly help to give NCCC youngest of the family and the profile of a progressive image.

What else?

Featuring a traditional platform instead of a whole sandwich concept was introduced in 1998, under the new architecture-and B-class is versatile enough to accept the Infiniti for its new entry-level product in 2013. Now, however, the only concrete link with new B-Class and Renault-Nissan's entry-level engine, which are the 109bhp 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter, 136bhp and 122bhp petrol engine 1.6-liter diesel.

When the model comes first, the B motor launch new Mercedes will start ilk, however. A new 1.6 turbo direct injection (designated M270) 121bhp and 154bhp available forms - a variant of 2.0 liters will be followed - and a diesel 1.8 (OM651, and based on Merc 2.1 But with a run down 99 to 83 mm) with 107 and 134bhp. A new six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox offered, and all models come with a stop / start system as standard.

What about the AMG version?

Originally from the A25 and CLC25 AMG is supposed to have a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine good for 272bhp, but since the implementation of innovative charger Hyprex proved more complicated than expected, the team returned to more familiar double Affalterbach turbo 2.0-liter four-pot. This engine can be a little thirsty, but also a more powerful 340bhp - and therefore requires the assistance of the quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

But true to his reputation as a green Mercedes is also the finishing touches on four different E-Motion Blue Efficiency models, including a hybrid that has a 27bhp electric motor short relay EV. One step to find the plug-in hybrid that fits a frugal three-cylinder engine from Renault to a power rating of 54 or 108bhp propulsion. The Hybrid offers a wide range of driving without smoke up to 60 miles.

In 2013, the Class B all-electric, but the production of this land of economy, it is at least initially limited to 1,000 units. The fuel cell version, which includes a total output of 175 hp, is suitable for a total production of 10,000 units - B is the only descendant NCCC capable of packaging the drum kit, tanks of hydrogen and fuel cell fuel.