Regulars here would know that Mercedes is busy readying the production version of the GLA Concept that was unveiled recently. A Mercedes GLA prototype was recently spotted being transported on a flat bed in Germany. The production spec GLA will make its public debut in the later-half of this year at the Frankfurt auto show.
The styling of the production spec car is expected to stay true to the GLA concept. The concept model was seen sporting a few design elements that have been borrowed from the A-class. Overall, the GLA has an aggressive exterior design and looks every bit a modern Merc.
The GLA will play the baby brother to the much bigger GLK and will be offered in a front-wheel drive layout. Underpinning the new GLA is the much publicized MFA platform. The new GLA concept measures 4,440mm in length, 1,800mm in width and is 1,500mm in height. The new GLA concept has a wheelbase of 2,700mm and will have a really decent boot space (for a small SUV) of 500 litres.
Powering the car will be a set of petrol engines that will have a cubic-capacity of 1.6L and 2.0L respectively. Also on offer is a set of diesel engines that consists of a 1.8L and a 2.1L oil burner. The top end variant is expected to get the new 4Matic all wheel drive system that has been tailor made to suit the MFA platform.
The GLA is in-line with the upcoming Mercedes Benz vehicles that should enable the carmaker to re-gain the lost territory from BMW and Audi. These cars will be suited to developing markets such as that of India and will battle it out against the highly popular BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
