SECTOR: Crossover   PRICE: €30,553–€55,870   FUEL: 4.0–7.5l/100km   CO2: 105–175g/km 

Mercedes-Benz is the last of the “big three” German premium brands to launch a C-segment crossover, but the GLA should make for a very desirable part of the range.

Given the meteoric rise of crossover sales, the three-pointed star has been notable by its absence until now, with the the Q5/X3-rivalling Class only available in selected markets and not offered in right-hand drive.

Perhaps the likely sales success of the GLA-Class will lead to a change of heart next time. Despite its bulked-up hatchback styling, this is longer and taller than the A-Class and, at 4.4 metres, sized to take on the Audi A3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque.

The potential hurdle here is styling. This isn’t as clearly defined as a crossover as its closest rivals, and needs the deeper bumpers of the AMG Line trim to make it look like a downsized ML-Class. For the upgrade in on-road presence, this is worth every cent.

DNA from the A-Class is also found inside. The two cars share their dashboards and tombstone-shaped front seats, complete with red-stitched artificial leather, and passenger space is almost identical.

But, were it not for the short gap between the two launches, you’d be excused for thinking that this has learned from the A-Class’s shortcomings. The rear windows sweep up to improve visibility, there’s an extra 20mm of headroom in the back and the boot space is 41% larger than the hatchback, accessed through a tailgate which opens wider and without intrusion from the rear lights.

Launched with a slimmed-down version of the A-Class engine range, the GLA-Class now features most of its sibling’s powertrain options. These include the excellent 105g/km, 110hp Renault-Nissan 1.5-litre diesel at the most efficient end, making this the one of the most efficient cars in its class, and 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmissions and 4MATIC four-wheel drive are offered from the CLA 220 CDI upwards.

That said, the most powerful diesel engine, as tested here, is close to the equivalent two-wheel drive BMW X1 on fuel consumption and emissions, and in line with the Evoque and Q3, neither of which are available with an automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive as in the GLA.

The downside is that it’s not the most polished drivetrain, considering the badge on the grille. That 2.2-litre diesel engine is coarse at low speeds, the gearbox is slow to respond from a standing start and the AMG Line’s sports suspension isn’t as soft as the ride height suggests.

However, engine grumble is barely audible at motorway speeds, the claimed fuel economy figures seem entirely realistic on highway routes and, once moving, the gearbox is quick and smooth when changing between its seven ratios. 4MATIC versions feature hill descent control and an off-road mode as standard, should conditions get tricky, and 170hp is plenty of power for a car of this size.

Ultimately, though, this is a segment where style counts and – though it’s definitely worth the upgrade to AMG Line spec – the GLA-Class has plenty in its favour.

What we think:

Likely to be a big seller, it’s surprising that the GLA-Class has been such a long time.