With GLA, Mercedes aims for younger shopper

Mercedes-Benz is poised to take aim at the growing compact crossover segment with the five-door GLA -- a vehicle company executives say will be packed with premium features but carry a competitive price tag.

Mercedes is unveiling a concept version of the GLA crossover at the Shanghai auto show. It's a wedge-shaped vehicle that doesn't have the boxy, masculine and in-your-face design of the larger Mercedes-Benz GLK.

That's good because the GLA is aimed at new buyers who probably don't have Mercedes-Benz on their shopping lists.

In other words, this is not a soccer mom's car but a vehicle that could compete with Subaru's Forester, the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Range Rover Evoque and BMW X1.

Mercedes-Benz previews GLA Class concept

Mercedes has unveiled its mini-SUV, the GLA Class concept just days before its Shanghai Auto Show 2013 debut. A first impression that the GLA Class will have on anyone is that its an

A-Class on stilts. It is true to some extent considering that the A-Class and GLA Class are built on the same MFA platform. The GLA Class measures a good 4.38 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2690mm.

On the face of it, the SUV looks real butch with a one-piece grill and sweptback headlights. The bulged bonnet and those big airdams look great and should translate to give it a good road presence as and when it makes it into production. 255/45 section rubber wrapped on 20-inch wheels and muscular wheel arches define the side profile. Notably, there are LED lights on

the roof rails. The tail lamps are LED units and there is a roof mounted spoiler and a chrome skid plate with dual Bazooka exhausts.