SEXY, sporty and sophisticated, the new Mercedes A-Class couldn't be more different to the boxy original.

After 13 years, Mercedes-Benz has abandoned the high riding, sandwich-floor concept which set the first A-Class apart from other premium superminis and come up with an exciting new generation model which is far more in keeping with the sporting image the company has developed so carefully in recent years.

The new model will open up a whole new chapter for Mercedes in the premium compact segment and looks more than capable of stealing sales from arch rivals BMW and Audi.

So much so that in anticipation of massive demand, Mercedes has this week revealed full details of the UK model line-up and prices a full six months ahead of the car's arrival in showrooms.

There will be five model lines with prices starting from £18,945 when the new A-Class goes on sale in December and to underline the new model's sporting aspirations, that line up will include Sport versions and a brace of AMG models.

A total of five engines will be on offer - three petrol and two diesel - from 1.6 to two  litre, with power outputs from 109hp to 211hp. All the engines feature ECO start/stop as standard,

The entry-level A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY model has a 1,595cc, 122hp petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and includes comfort suspension.

SE models start from £20,125 with either 122hp petrol or a choice of 1,461 or 1,796cc 109bhp diesels, the latter only with a seven speed DCT auto box.

Sport models will be available with either 122hp or 156hp versions of the 1,595cc petrol engine, the 109hp diesel or a 136hp version of the 1,796cc diesel.

To confirm the sporting credentials of the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz has also introduced two AMG-inspired models to complete the range: AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG.

The AMG Sport, from £23,445, includes a Dynamic Handling Package with sports suspension; perforated disc brakes and cruise control with Speedtronic, as well as AMG body styling and 18" AMG five-spoke alloy wheels. The AMG comes with the same engine options as the Sport plus a 1,991cc 211hp petrol engine mated to the seven speed auto transmission.

Ultimate sporting version of the new A-Class range will be the £28,775 Engineered by AMG model, initially with the 1,991cc 211hp petrol engine and seven speed auto transmission with a diesel version arriving in Spring next year.

The Engineered by AMG model includes AMG sports suspension; red brake callipers; 18" AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels and changes to the ESP characteristics.

Standard specification across the range will include the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist, which can reduce the risk of nose-to-tail collisions, or minimise their effects, by alerting a distracted driver through visual and acoustic warnings if it senses an accident is likely to happen. Also included as standard is a system developed by Mercedes-Benz to monitor driver behaviour and warn of signs of tiredness.