(April 7, 2011) Mercedes-Benz will show a small Mini-sized car, the Concept A, this month at the New York  and Shanghai auto shows. The Concept A demonstrates that all automakers, even luxury-car builders, are being forced to downsize because of tougher mileage regulations.

The four-place Concept A features a new 210-horsepower direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive "brake assist." It is driven by the front wheels.

A long hood, a low silhouette and slim window areas suggest concentrated dynamism. The car's sporty appearance is given particular depth by the interplay between lines and surfaces. The wind and the waves, as well as aviation engineering, were the sources of inspiration for its designers.

In the interior of the Concept A-Class the eye is immediately drawn to the dashboard, which has the shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable textile lining. This enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible.

The shape of the air vents in the dashboard is reminiscent of a jet aircraft engine. The prominent displays in the instrument cluster are in red. Their appearance is inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine. The central control unit is designed as a modern flight panel, with the shift lever taking the form of a "reverse thrust control."

The car features four individual seats.