MERCEDES-BENZ is about to plug a long standing gap in its line up with the introduction of a medium sized SUV into the UK.

The GLC will be arriving in October to go head to head with the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X3 and newcomers such as the Porsche Macan and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

In the Mercedes range the new model replaces the popular GLK 4x4 which has been on sale since 2008 but in left hand drive only.

With no right hand drive option available it meant that Mercedes was missing out on a booming part of the British car market with sales of SUVs soaring.

But with the GLC the German brand is hitting the ground running with a car that is competitively priced and remarkably capable.

In the UK the GLC will be diesel only and fitted with a very efficient 2.1-litre engine developing either 170 or 204bhp.

Prices start from £34,950 for the 220d and £36,105 for the higher powered 250d version which is livelier to drive and feels well suited for cruising.

Both come with a nine speed auto box and the difference is quicker performance for the 250 with a 0 to 60 time of 7.6 seconds and top speed of 138mph compared to 8.3 seconds and 130mph for the 220.

Despite that, Mercedes is claiming identical fuel figures for the two at 56.5mpg with emissions of 129g/km and while we didn't match that we did manage to achieve 45 to the gallon from both in everyday conditions.

For a proper sized 4x4 weighing the best part of 1.9 tonnes the GLC handles in an accomplished fashion and can be set up in any of four drive modes ranging from Eco to Sport+ where it becomes nicely responsive.

Where the GLC will score is with its looks and all round demeanour which are a proper blend of ruggedness and Mercedes finesse.

It is unmistakable from any angle and set off with brightwork front and rear which creates a powerful image, all emphasised by big air intakes at the front and twin oval exhausts peering from the extremities of a rear diffuser.

The cabin is posh, roomy and functional and the dashboard is focused around a large centre console below a tablet-style display screen in the middle of the facia.

If there is a criticism it is with the size of the glovebox which is not big enough to take the vehicle manual, albeit a sizeable tome of some 300 pages, which was slotted into one of the door pockets.

All versions of the GLC mimic the latest C-Class when it comes to equipment and everyone features anti-collision systems and stability controls including one which neutralises crosswinds - handy, especially in a sturdy SUV.

A power operated tailgate and a reversing camera are standard on all three trim levels with higher grade models having sat nav, heated front seats and automatic parking.

Top specification AMG Line trim adds £3,990 to the price but keeps the GLC 220d below the £40,000 mark making it a lot of car for the money.

The car's automatic four-wheel-drive system can be enhanced for off-road work with a £495 electronics package that triggers modifications to the transmission for harsh terrain or towing and includes hill descent control.

In every way the GLC is a full blown off-roader and can handle 70 degree inclines, 35 degree slopes and axle-twisting potholes thanks to adjustable suspension which can add nine inches to the ground clearance.

The same set up can be used to lower the loading height by two inches and boot capacity ranges from 500 to 1,660 litres.

The GLC can be exceptionally heavy duty and makes full use of technology to do so without resorting to a locking differential.

Another valuable feature is a 360 degree camera system that shows what lies ahead when breaking over a blind rise. There are also some clever displays on the dash to show what's happening to the car.

It is highly sophisticated and one of the most impressive off-roaders on the market.

On the towing from the GLC can manage 2.5 tonnes and the optional tow bar plus extra stability controls cost £750.

Virtually every feature known to modern motoring can be fitted to the car and that includes a head up display, a surround sound system and Internet connectivity.

As such the GLC is about as complete a car as you can get and one which is packed with luxury, prestige and genuine all round performance no matter the conditions.

On looks alone it cuts a dash but delve deeper and it performs to the highest of standards. For sub-£50,000 cars of this ilk it is ahead of the game.