While we’ve actually heard Mercedes execs mention small cars and the U.S. multiple times in the same sentence, we didn’t think that they have this in mind – an A-Class based roadster. AutoWeek is reporting that Dieter Zetsche is considering a proposal for a two-seat roadster based on the A- and B-class. The compact front-wheel-drive roadster revives the idea behind the striking Vision SLA concept revealed at the Detroit auto show in 2000 (pictured above).

The decision for an A-Class roadster, which would be positioned below the SLK, might have something to do with VW plans on introducing a new mid-engine roadster. BMW is also planning an even smaller roadster than the current Z4, a 1-series based Z2 roadster.

Small cars are definitely the new trend, but how small should Mercedes go? Should they run behind BMW and the rest of the competition and release a model every time someone releases something. Well that’s definitely a good plan to fight the competition, but what will happen to the Mercedes brand when they become a “me-too” manufacturer. I say they bring back the smart roadster, which to me seems to be a better fit, than introduce a smart-like A-Class roadster.