Mercedes unveils compact SUV

Cheshire salt mine launch location for Mercedes’ new GLA crossover

German car giant Mercedes-Benz chose a salt mine in Winsford, operated by Salt Union (the UK’s largest supplier of rock salt for use on icy roads in winter) to take the wraps off its new GLA crossover.

Journalists were transported 500ft undergound, complete with high-vis jackets, hard hats, breathing apparatus and helmet lamps, to drive the car on a mile-and-a-half circuit in Britain’s largest salt mine. Mercedes had to construct a special cage to transport the four GLAs (head-down) into the pit lift.

Built on the A-Class platform, the GLA is the first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment and an obvious rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque. Interestingly, it’s not as tall and sits lower than its competitors.

Mercedes says it’s “highly manoeuvrable around town, lively on country roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway”.

Mercedes is hoping to double its SUV and crossover sales in the UK in the next 12 months with the arrival of the new GLA. It’s the company’s fourth SUV for the British market – joining the M-Class, the GL and the G-Class,

The GLA is also the first Mercedes SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution in the UK.

It will initially be available with four engines – two diesels and two petrol versions – all four-cylinders with direct injection and ECO start/stop.

Mercedes claims the GLA 200 CDI, powered by a 2.2-litre, 136bhp engine, is capable of 66mpg. The GLA range starts at a competitive £25,850.