The upcoming 2012 Mercedes A-Class was recently spotted testing by our spy photographers. Judging by the spy shots (though hidden beneath some thick camo), we can see the new A-Class is attached nicely to the C-Class hatch with an MPV-like cabin layout. The A-Class is powered by either four-cylinder gasoline or 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 development, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 208hp. The engines will be coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The next-generation A-Class will 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. AMG amenities given to the A-Class include upgraded brakes and wheels, bigger air intakes in the front bumper and bigger exhaust pipes. 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: CarPix.