IT was a case of doing a double take when looking at Mercedes' latest baby.

Not only me, but many others were seen craning their heads at the super-cool styling that has transformed the A-Class.

So cool it could be chiseled from ice with its sharp swooping lines and creases that create that impression.

Although it predecessor sold pretty well many were underwhelmed by the almost MPV type styling and tall stance that did little for the car's handling characteristics. But it was a practical vehicle and carried the famed three-pointed star that makes the car instantly recognisable - and desirable.

The car from the front now has the look of its bigger stablemates with large signature star breaking up the bladed the grille.

There is also a smaller version of the star on the bonnet - just in case you couldn't remember what make it is.

The vehicle has and sleek, almost feline looks and the cat's eye styling of the headlights add to that impression.

It looks more mainstream, like its competitors, but the tested AMG trimmed model also adds and even sportier look.

The interior is just a revolutionary as the outside with special care and attention given to the dash and controls. It looks expensive and classy which is just as well because it is expensive, but this small car gives the feeling of big executive car quality.

Its sporty finish does mean that space feels at a premium, but the leather/microfibre finished seats both grip and support front seat passengers while headroom is surprising good.

As a hatchback it is practical with decent boot space with 341 litres, which can be increased to 1,157 litres with the rear seats folded.

There is a host of standard equipment for the price with many functions controlled from the central colour touchscreen that controls sound system telephone and navigation. It does look oddly placed though, sitting proud of the dashboard, almost as an afterthought.

The diesel engine doesn't disappoint performance wise either. All petrol and diesels in the A-Class include stop/start technology with one model producing emissions of just 98g/km making highly attractive to business users.

The 1.8-litre turbo diesel in the car I drove is still frugal despite offering decent acceleration. It emits just 118g/km and has an official claimed fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg.

On the road it was nowhere near that but around 55mpg still delivers pretty cheap motoring.

The car is quick off the mark, reaching 60mph from a standing start in a respectable 9.2 seconds.

Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the changes are seamless, even if you opt to use the gearchange paddles behind the steering wheel.

The engine is also very refined while there is a firm but not uncomfortable ride. I just thought the handling was slightly lacking for a sporty car, feel slightly unsettled on quick corners.

All Mercs are well equipped for safety and offers advanced systems like a radar-based collision warning system, that comes as standard, as well as the comprehensive array of up nine airbags and tractions and stability control programmes.

It's a quantum leap in styling and despite being more mainstream still has outstanding looks. Performance is pretty good too.

The A-Class is not cheap, but it offers loads of equipment as standard - and after all, it is a Merc.