Iħjut Spied: Mercedes-Benz GLA

Latest images of Mercedes new Evoque rivalling SUVAn insider at Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that a new compact SUV will go on sale in the UK by the end of 2014. It is expected to be called the GLA.
Mercedes has already admitted that it's 'baby CLS' four-door coupe will be called the CLA, though a decision has not yet been made on the off-roader's title. A mid-sized model called the GLK is already on sale in left-hand drive markets.
The new GLA will, like the CLA, be based on the platform of the recently launched A-Class hatchback, which has been engineered to accept the Mercedes 4Matic four-wheel drive system. A raised ride height and various driving modes of operation are expected.
However, most small SUVs sold are two-wheel drive only and it is expected that entry-level versions of the Mercedes GLA will be offered in front-wheel drive guise. It's likely that at least one model will emit less than 120g/km of CO2.
While the GLA will be marketed as a baby brother to the full-size GL-Class, its A-Class derived styling is said to clearly define the new car as a crossover rather than an out-and-out off-roader.
Following on from the new CLA models and the GLA will be an all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, tipped to be styled in the same vein as the CLA and possibly pushed further up market.
Rumours suggest that at least one other body style is to come from the new A-Class platform. Likely candidates are a two-seat roadster, a 2+2 coupe or a folding-hardtop coupe-cabriolet that would logically be called the SLA.