Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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has finally launched its GLA-ClassMercedes-Benz GLA 250Germany, 2013 > present compact crossover that is the latest vehicle to ride on its front-wheel drive, compact car platform. It will be offered in four engine tunes, two petrol and two diesel, with power between 136ps (134hp) and 170ps (168hp). The car will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10.

Its style is a much more muscular version of the look of the current A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.3 [W 176]Germany, 2012 > present33 versions
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. Both are five-door hatchbacks. It is meant as an all-round car that can go practically anywhere. It has a low greenhouse and pronounced wheel arches that make the car look like it is pounced and ready to strike. The front has a large, central star in the grill with dual powerdomes on the hood.

From the side, the car has a dropping line that runs from the headlight and moves to the rear wheel arch, and there is a second line that runs from the beltline over the rear door and C-pillar.

At the rear, the rear glass is curved and bordered at the bottoms by a chrome handle that splits between the taillights. It also has a simulated underbody guard in high-gloss black, matte silver or silver shadow.

The GLA is relatively compact at 4417mm (173.9in) x 1804mm (71.02in) x 1494mm (58.82in) and has a coefficient of drag of 0.29.

The interior of the GLA combines a variety of trim materials to create an upscale space including silver-shadow metallic, wood and aluminum. In the center of the dashboard, there is a high-gloss, freestanding screen surrounded by piano black trim. All cars get a three-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys on it. Galvanized metal trim is an option around the bezels of the five air vents. The seats are available in leather, fabric or a combination of fabric and leather.

The rear seats can either be folded down or tilted for more comfort for the rear passengers. The rear will hold 421 liters with the seats up or 836 liters with the seats down.

The model range for the GLA starts with the GLA200 with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 156ps (154hp) with 184lb-ft of torque. The next step is the GLA250 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 211ps (208hp) and 258lb-ft of torque. The GLA200 CDI has a 136ps (134hp) and 221lb-ft of torque from a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel. Finally, there is the GLA220 CDI has 170ps (168hp) and 258lb-ft of torque from the same 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel. All models except the GLA200 are available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. All of the engines have start/stop and come with a six-speed manual transmission. The GLA250, GLA220 CDI and the 4MATIC models come standard with the seven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes‑Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of sales at Mercedes-Benz.

Prices for the GLA models have not been announced yet but sales will begin in 2014. There will be Style, Urban, AMG and Exclusive trim packages, but Mercedes has not explained what differentiates the trims yet.