Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its new A-Class is priced from £25,800, making it £3960 more than a new BMW 1 Series.

That figure is for the entry-level 180d SE model, while the petrol-powered A 200 starts from £27,500. The more powerful A 250 costs from £30,240. (Read on for more engine details).

Three trims are available: Sport and SE, Sport and AMG Line. The latter currently accounts for 50% of A-Class sales. First deliveries are due in June.

Although higher than its main rival, those prices come with promise of class-leading levels of connectivity, as well as a new interior with the most advanced version yet of the German car maker’s Comand infotainment system. Even the entry-level car gets twin infotainmant displays with voice control technology, emphasising the level of kit on offer across the line-up.

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This sixth-generation tech set-up features a newly developed MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) function that brings touchscreen control, an innovative voice control system and augmented reality navigation not even offered on Mercedes’ range-topping S-Class.

Rough and ready, but an elbows-out walkaround of the new #MercedesAClass2018 - see https://t.co/ZADk470yUp and https://t.co/9QX5lDb5A9 for more pic.twitter.com/W6rlpdssD4 — Jim Holder (@Jim_Holder) February 2, 2018

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The A-Class is once again offered exclusively in five-door form. It is the first of up to eight new compact models that are under development and due for launch by the end of 2020.

These include successor models to the existing B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA as well as a trio of new models: an A-Class saloon, an SUV model set to be called the GLB and the all-electric EQ A previewed at the Frankfurt motor show last September.