The new-generation A-Class has received several awards in recognition of its exceptional environmental credentials, including the prestigious ‘Design for Environment’ certificate.

Awarded by the ISO, the certificate assesses a vehicle’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, from production through to disposal. Mercedes-Benz is the only brand in the world to have met the standards required – other certified models include the S-Class, C-Class and B-Class.

The new-generation A-Class demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the environment in a range of ways. While engines remain as powerful as before, we’ve significantly improved fuel consumption and lowered CO2 emissions.

The 3 dr A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is now available, and is the lowest emitting Mercedes-Benz at 116g/km. It achieves an incredible 64.2mpg, making it class leading in the premium hatch sector.

The A-Class already meets the EU regulation coming into force in 2015, which prescribes a recycling rate of 95 percent. Plastic components with a total weight of 30.8 kilograms can be produced from high-grade recyclates – twice the figure achieved for the previous model.

Furthermore, the Environmental institute Öko Trend has awarded its Car Environment Certificate to the A 160 CDI, taking into accounts its fuel consumption and exhaust / noise emissions in addition to environmental parameters relating to logistics, production, recyclability and the manufacturer’s environment management systems.

From early 2009, we'll be offering an ECO start / stop function on the manual versions of the A 150 and A 170, to help conserve fuel in heavy traffic.

Even the Rastatt plant where the cars are produced is designed to be green. Innovative energy-saving features include a vast photovoltaic roof to harness solar power.