In my world, GLA = Gamma-linolenic Acid, found in evening primrose oil, an omega-6 fatty acid.

To much of a "south london drug dealer" look for my taste - same aesthetic that rules out all audi 4x4s.

_{I quite like that.}

Me too

+1

Now finally launched in production trim:

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/14/2015-mercedes-gla-class-official-frankfurt-debut/

 

More of a hatch with raised ride height than a true Yeti competitor in the end.

I still think that looks OK. Worth a test drive at least.

I do get a bit of a bee in my bonnet when manufacturers launch a 'crossover' model no taller than some regular hatchbacks. This new Mercedes GLA is 1494mm tall. That is lower than a Fabia. One of the reasons I like crossover/suv cars is the raised driving position. All they seem to have made is an A class with rufty tufty bits on.

I do get a bit of a bee in my bonnet when manufacturers launch a 'crossover' model no taller than some regular hatchbacks. This new Mercedes GLA is 1494mm tall. That is lower than a Fabia. One of the reasons I like crossover/suv cars is the raised driving position. All they seem to have made is an A class with rufty tufty bits on.

 

True but a Fabia on the other hand is one very peculiar looking car BECAUSE it is so narrow and tall.  Always look like they will topple over to me or like miniature double decker buses.  I'm not a fan of them alas.  Though this Merc is nice.  If you want a hatchback with some style that is.  If you want a crossover for the added right height and space: forget it.

True but a Fabia on the other hand is one very peculiar looking car BECAUSE it is so narrow and tall.  Always look like they will topple over to me or like miniature double decker buses.  I'm not a fan of them alas.  Though this Merc is nice.  If you want a hatchback with some style that is.  If you want a crossover for the added right height and space: forget it.

I agree that the Merc looks good. I have also read that Mercedes UK are considering importing a version with a properly raised ride height. That would hit the spot.

I was hoping that this'd be a bit higher so that they could fit some suspension to it - I gather from the reviews of the A-Class that MB may have forgotten about putting springs and such between the wheels and the body.

I do get a bit of a bee in my bonnet when manufacturers launch a 'crossover' model no taller than some regular hatchbacks. This new Mercedes GLA is 1494mm tall. That is lower than a Fabia. One of the reasons I like crossover/suv cars is the raised driving position. All they seem to have made is an A class with rufty tufty bits on.

 

I guess that explains the good aerodynamics and maybe the not-excessive-markup over the A class. Its certainly higher than an A class, and maybe slightly higher seat-level (0.5m) than a normal hatch. Looks like a good compromise to me. The bad news is that the list price will likely be void of useful "options" so the price will be more Q3/Evoque than Yeti. Still, it looks good...

Well...  I've seen this little thing at Frankfurt and trust me it is TINY.  Especially the boot.  But just look at what engine they've put in it!!! Yeti-man Lee will certainly approve of the 0-60 in 4,8 seconds!

 

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/new-mercedes-gla45-amg-is-taller-riding.html

 

I looked at the price list on the MB website the other day, and to get anywhere near to a 2ltr Yeti 4wd Elegance DSG you are looking at the top side of £35000. Ouch!!!

Tony

I looked at the price list on the MB website the other day, and to get anywhere near to a 2ltr Yeti 4wd Elegance DSG you are looking at the top side of £35000. Ouch!!!

Tony

How much would that Yeti be?

Doesn't sound too bad to be fair.

You'd expect a similar difference comparing a top spec Octy to a C Class for example.