PRICES and specification details have been revealed for Mercedes-Benz's new compact A and B-Class models as well as a hot A45 S 4MATIC model which develops 421 horsepower.

The new A-Class range will start from £31,880 while the B-Class line up is priced from £35,100.

The A-Class features a range of engine variants including both petrol and diesel options while a plug -in hybrid will be joining the line up as an A 250 hatch and saloon.

For the new B-Class the engine choice is either a B 200 d or B 200 with all powertrain technology the same across both models.

Depending on engine the two models are available either with seven or eight speed automatic transmissions.

Five model lines are available with the range comprising Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, and a new Exclusive Launch Edition.

Exterior design include LED headlamps and LED rear lights, as well as all models now featuring adaptive highbeam assist as standard.

Multibeam LED headlights are standard on the Premium Plus model as is a head-up display for the driver and a 360 degree camera system.

All models now feature the MBUX connectivity system which includes advanced voice control.

Petrol models are powered by a 1.3-litre engine developing either 136 or 163hp while the diesels have a 2.0-litre 150hp engine.

Fuel economy is said to be around 55 to the gallon for the petrol versions while the diesel is more frugal at almost 58mpg. Emissions range from 128g/km to 145g/km.

Meanwhile, the latest AMG A 45 will be priced from £63,140 with an A 35 hatch also available from £45,930.

The A 45 has a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of almost 170mph while the A35 - which develops 306hp - has a sprint time of 4.7 seconds and tops out at 155mph.

Official economy figures are 34.8mpg for the A 35 with emissions as low as 184g/km while tha A 45 is rated at 32 to the gallon with a CO2 figure of 200g/km.