Mercedes-Benz is touring the UK over the next month with its new A-Class concept to show the direction the brand is moving in and what will become its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 challenger.

The Concept A-Class tour will visit the Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham (September 24 and 25); Westfield London (October 1 and 2); Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester (October 8 and 9) and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow (October 14 and 15).

The vehicle will also be stopping off at around 70 Mercedes-Benz dealers around the country.

To generate interest en-route to each location, it will be transported in full view in a transparent container on the back of The Clear Idea, a special Mercedes-Benz Atego display truck.

At each shopping centre location the car is hidden from view in a mirrored box which is surrounded by interactive LED lights that react to sound – they change colours and patterns in response to the voices or movement of passers-by.

At regular intervals, a deep note will sound and the lights will pulsate around the box, accompanied by music that will build up to a full reveal of the car.

Gary Savage, managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Both visually and technologically, Concept A-Class provides an exciting insight into the potential future of the Mercedes-Benz compact car range, and a glimpse of some of the features that we’re confident would influence future customers in this highly-competitive sector.

“The Concept A-Class national tour creates a unique experience for engaging with our potential customers ahead of some significant model launches next year, and it showcases the future direction of Mercedes-Benz in a truly eye-catching way.”