French automobile website automobile-magazine.fr managed to get hold of these images of the upcoming A-class set to be released in 2012. And from the looks of it, its not a far cry from the radical concept that was shown to the world at both the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows.

While the concept had a more sleek 3 door coupe stance, the production model obviously moved toward the practical approach with a 5 door version which suggests that both variants will be offered in the A-Class lineup. The front grille has been toned down from the rather fluid looking swoops to a more chiseled front end and the rear looks more like a mash up between the BMW 1 series and the Audi A3 compared to the rather stunning concept's rear end.

One thing Mercedes didn't change from the concept was its engine. The 2.0 litre turbocharged direct injection engine which churns out 204bhp with a dual clutch gearbox. Of course this will be the 'hot' version while the others in the range will get their engines from the current C-Class models. However, the AMG division has also had their share of tinkering and have planned to produce a four wheel drive variant with 3 doors that will have 350bhp! No doubt the Germans are at civil war when it comes to their hot hatches..