Somewhere at the beginning of 2008 we were talking about MB's decision to build an entirely new technical platform for the next generations of its smallest models, the A- & B-Klasse. Furthermore, the platform would have been badged MFA, that stands for Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture, thus dissapointing some of the fans who were expecting true rivals for the models from Munchen and Ingolstadt. A couple of days ago, a breaking news appeared on the media channels after an interview taken to a Mercedes-Benz official. The idea is that a final decision has been taken inside the company:the future A & B cars, that will arrive on the street in 2011 or 2012, will use a RWD platform, derived from the one that is being used by the C-Klasse models nowadays. The addition of the groundbreaking rear traction means that the A & B will get rid of the SANDWITCH safety platform and will become more attractive and versatile in terms of engines, sportiness and versions offered. Reports claim that the A-Klasse could turn into a little hatchback, a small coupe and an exclusive cabriolet, while its bigger brother, the B-Klasse, will continue to feature the current MPV body, shaped in a more appealing and agressive way along with the increase in the length of the car and the decrease of the ride height. Besides the MPV body, the B-Klasse is likely to be offered in SUV shape, in order to compete with BMW X1(to be released in the end of 2008, after the presentation of the Concept X1 in October, at the Paris Motor Show). There is still little chance that we see a B-Klasse four-door coupe after 2010, but no one knows how Mercedes-Benz wants to surprise us. After the refreshed A & B classes will be released, the current CLC-Klasse will face death, as a completely new, more competitive model will take its place in the MB portfolio. The new models will be powered by efficient petrol engines and clean BlueTEC diesel units, and, for the first time in history, both models will be available for the US market. As a last important news, it seems that Mercedes-Benz has registered some names for its future small and compact models, but there is no further information on that issue(we can only speculate some names, such as 'CLA' or 'BLK').
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