Spy shots of the thirdgeneration Mercedes-Benz's A-Class premium hatchback have emerged.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class shook up the market when the MPV-like first generation model was replaced by an also premium-positioned, but altogether sportierversion in 2012. Facelifted internationally towards the end of 2015, it reached South African shores in early 2016 and we tested it thoroughly.

However, aseries of photographs showing the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class have already emerged. This model is scheduled to beunveiled in 2018 and these are the first pictures of the car being tested on a public road. While the test unit is heavily camouflaged, you can see some new details such as new mirrors, enlarged rear doors and a hatchback thatlooks a little wider than the outgoing model's, all of which will help to improve practicality.

We expect this model to feature the latest in Mercedes-Benz technology as showcased on the recently-introduced E-Class and we'd be very surprised if there was no autonomous driving functionality. Judging from the number of addenda, which appear to be an array of sensors (on the front of the car), the hatchback's likely to be pretty high tech indeed. Right now this vehicle is in the very early stages of developmentwe'll keepyou up to date.

More A-Class content:

Read a review of the latest version of Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Watch a comparison video explaining the difference between pre- and post-facelift Mercedes-Benz A-Class:

Want to buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Search for a new/used example on Cars.co.za