The upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class was recently spotted in the final stages of testing. Despite the thick and dark camouflage, the upcoming A-Class is just about ready to go into the next phase of production. Judging by the spy shots, we can clearly see the new A-Class adapting to the medium-sized C-Class hatch with an MPV-like cabin layout. Under the hood of the test mule, power comes from a range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

These include two 1.6-liter gas-powered engines with an output of 122hp and 156hp, respectively. The two turbo diesel variants said to make their way into the line-up will produce outputs of 111hp and 135hp, respectively. There is a more powerful sports version in the works as well, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 208hp. The next-generation A-Class is set to rival the new Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and to a certain extent the Volkswagen Golf. Mercedes-Benz worked very hard to develop a new platform for the A-Class which gives it a sportier style.

The new platform is also very similar to the one seen on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class concept that made its debut at both the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show and the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is expected to make its debut by the end of the year and go on sale in Europe at the start of 2012. Photos courtesy of CarAdvice.