With this new CLA-class, Mercedes appears to have a powerful card in its deck, at least on the surface.

The CLA is quite the looker with a face similar to the A-class, and a swooping profile reminiscent of Merc’s own pioneering four-door coupé, the CLS.

The sides are full of curvy creases and they converge in a compact rear with a pair of neat LED tail-lamps.

Headlights are same as the A-class hatchback's with LED daytime-running units.

The CLA sedan gets similar front styling like the A-class but there are small differences at the bumper and the chin.

This car is not entirely unfamiliar, thanks to the rip-snorting CLA 45 AMG version that was launched last year.

The dashboard is very similar to the one in the A-class, with the same excellent turbine-like air-con vents, wide sweeping dashboard and sporty dials.

The company has responded to criticisms and fitted the CLA with a higher-definition colour screen for the COMAND computer.

The rear seat is a crucial part of the package, even though this compact CLA is expected to be largely owner-driven

The CLA compact sedan also comes with rear AC vents.