Already available to order in selected markets, with first deliveries from September, the new engines form part of a package of additions for the carmaker’s compact models.

The CLA 200 CDI will use a new 2.2-litre engine, replacing the 1.8-litre diesel used to date. The result is a large cut in running costs, with fuel economy of 4.1l/100km or 4.0l/100km for the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic, compared to 4.5l/100km and 118g/km for the old version.

In the GLA-Class range, the new 180 CDI variant introduces the same 1.5-litre Renault-Nissan sourced diesel engine used in the A-Class as an entry-level front-wheel drive model. This 109PS engine returns 3.9l/100km and emits 103g/km with the 7G-DCT gearbox, or 4.0l/100km and 105g/km with the manual.

4MATIC four-wheel drive will also be introduced on the CLA 200 CDI, CLA 220 CDI and A220.

Ola Källenius, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars divisional board responsible for sales, said: ‘Our compact models have proved exceptionally popular with customers and provide younger customers in particular with an attractive means of gaining entry into the brand. This is reflected in the capture rate enjoyed by the compact car family.’