The shape of the CLA-Class may not appeal to everyone, but it's like that for a reason: Mercedes claims an aerodynamic drag factor of 0.22, which, if you don't know about these things, is very low indeed.

The regular range consists of the petrol-fuelled CLA 180 and 250 and the CLA 200 CDI and 220 CDI diesels. The 220 CDI and 250 are available only with seven-speed automatic transmission, while the others have a choice of this or a six-speed manual. Most are front-wheel drive, but the 250 gets the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system.

All of the above come in two trim levels called Sport and AMG Sport. The range also includes the very powerful CLA 45 AMG, which has the automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive and its own list of equipment.

The forthcoming Shooting Brake will match the coupe range almost exactly.

Performance

With its 355bhp two-litre turbo petrol engine, the 45 AMG can out-accelerate all other CLAs, and most other cars on the road too. 0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds.

Not that the others are exactly sluggish. The 250 can do 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, while the faster of the diesels, the 220 CDI, takes 8.2. The 180 and the 200 CDI are nearly equal on acceleration at 9.3 and 9.4 seconds respectively, but the diesel's top speed is 7mph higher at 137mph.

Ride and Handling

Don't expect a tremendous driving experience, even from the CLA 45 AMG, but do expect plenty of grip.

Small Mercedes models tend to feel like they're large ones which happen to take up less space. Don't expect a tremendous driving experience, even from the CLA 45 AMG, but do expect plenty of grip. Mercedes manual gearboxes are much nicer than they used to be, and the seven-speed automatic is a delight once you've got used to the fact that what looks like an indicator stalk is in fact the gear selector.

Interior and Equipment

The CLA-Class was launched twice, almost simultaneously, at two very different events: the Detroit Auto Show and Berlin Fashion Week.

The CLA shares with other Mercedes a high-quality interior and a tablet-style touchscreen which some people think is great and others feel looks like an add-on.  The boot volume is 470 litres and, as is often the way with coupes, access to it is a bit tight. The Shooting Brake will be slightly roomier at 495 litres, rising to 1354 when the rear seats are folded, and loading luggage into it will be easier. Another advantage held by the Shooting Brake is that it will have 4cm more rear headroom, and should therefore be a more practical proposition for carrying four adults.

Cost

Running costs for the CLA 45 AMG are unlikely to be spectacular, but since it costs over £42,000 few buyers are likely to consider this a big issue.

All the diesels have CO2 emissions of under 120g/km, leading to annual Vehicle Excise Duty payments of £30 or, in the case of the 110g/km CLA 200 CDI Sport automatic, £20. Combined fuel economy for this model is 67.3mpg. 72.4mpg and 101g/km have been quoted for the equivalent Shooting Brake. Running costs for the CLA 45 AMG are unlikely to be spectacular, but since it costs over £42,000 few buyers are likely to consider this a big issue.

Our Verdict

The CLA-Class may seem like an odd choice, since it's not as conventionally good-looking as other coupes, but it's certainly an interesting alternative to the A-Class on which it's based. The forthcoming Shooting Brake promises to be quite interesting, even though it looks even odder.