Mercedes has reported that the launch of the reworked A- and B-class is going well.

In an interview with Automobilwoche, product manager Natanael Sijanta, said that order intakes are running at the expected level, and that customer feedback has so far been positive.

The facelifted A- and B-Class appeared in showrooms yesterday. Mercedes has worked particularly on improving safety, comfort and functionality. Changes to the design are otherwise marginal.

Market research has shown that customers are happy with the technical concept and the current shape of the car, said Sijanta.

Both model ranges now have BlueEfficiency versions that are optimized for fuel economy. Mercedes is launching 20 such models on the market this year to bring down its fleet average CO2 emissions levels. BlueEfficiency models must reduce fuel consumption by at least ten percent. The BlueEfficiency version of the A160 CDI consumers 4.5litres of diesel per 100km, a reduction of 0.4 litres – and it costs no more than its regular counterpart. BlueEfficiency versions of theA150 and A170 with stop-start systems cost 250 euros more than their counterparts. However they can be ordered now without having to pay the extra.