Mercedes already announced its intention of dropping the current A-Class platform and build the future A-Class on the same platform as the current C-Class. What does this mean for the future A-Class that will be launched most probably in 2011? It will be a sporty-coupe capable to compete with models like Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and upcoming Saab 9-2.

The future A-Class will be built on a new layout, called MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel drive Architecture), that has been conceived to support a much wider range of models and allows for four-wheel drive, paving the way for high-performance variants.

Even if Mercedes recently launched a facelift for the A-Class, the current model will be dropped and replaced with a new model, that – according to the latest internet rumors – is already in the concept version.

The future generation A-Class will feature a simpler, cheaper arrangement that will allow the next generation of vehicles to sit nearer to the ground.

Changes will be made under the hood also: a new range of engines will power the future A-Class, but they also be used for other models. Hybrid versions are also under consideration.