WHEN it comes to naming cars, Mercedes-Benz seems to have the alphabet pretty much covered. For example, there's A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class ¦ you get my drift.
Well, now the smallest of the distinguished line-up - the A-Class hatchback - is available in a new guise. It is called the GLA, it is modelled on the A-Class but it's much bigger.
Despite being based on the A-Class, the GLA is a compact SUV. It's longer, higher, has greater ground clearance, a bigger boot and boasts all the everyday touches an SUV should.
And the GLA AMG Line supplied on test was fitted with all the distinguishing features and badging associated with the branding.
There's no denying the fact that the GLA looks stunning from any approach. It has aggressive, yet sleek styling with 19-inch AMG black wheels, a double grille in high gloss black with chrome trim, black beltline strips and door mirrors, black roof rails, a double exhaust system with chrome finish, privacy glass and lots of other AMG styling traits.
The interior is beautifully designed with ample space for five adults to stretch out and there are creature comforts and techno treats galore to be explored.
The car featured a couple of optional packs such as an AMG Exclusive Package costing £1,295 which introduced electrically-adjustable seats with four-way lumbar support, AMG styled floor mats, black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching and black roof lining. Heated seats cost an extra £300.
There was also additional in-car entertainment options fitted including a Drive Kit Plus priced at £470 which keeps you connected to all iPhone features such as music, telephone contacts and social networking sites.
The main focal point is a 5.8-inch tablet style colour screen attached to the dashboard and navigating the various features is very simple thanks to a dial that helps you rotate smoothly through the settings.
The car had a 2.1-litre diesel-powered engine with seven-speed automatic transmission. The driver can choose from three different driving modes - ECO, Manual and Sport - which all alter the car's handling capabilities. Steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used for extra control over the transmission shifts.
The ride and handling on the GLA are both impressive. It can be driven hard with confidence and any bend can be attacked with pace. The acceleration is good although not blisteringly quick and there is a constant supply of power on tap.
Another factor worthy of note is the car's economy. According to official figures it can achieve a very impressive 62.8mpg on a combined run. That said, on a 100-mile test run I was seeing just shy of 55pmg.
Comfort levels for all occupants are excellent and you can expect to feel a lot more bumps and dips when the car is driven in Sport mode.
The GLA has been designed to take on the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 - two established vehicles that have a strong fan-base.
And like its competitors, the GLA is available with a whole host of optional packs that bump up the asking price. The test car started at a reasonable £28,300 and finished with an on-the-road price of £32,245.
But in the end, its success will be ultimately determined by its sales figures - and that is as simple as ABC.