SPY PICS: A Benz of a different flavour

Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce to market a scaled-down rendition of the four-door CLS based on the next A-Class hatch.

To be named CLA, the new car, pictured here courtesy of our friendly spy photographers at Carparazzi, will be built on the same conventional MFA platform that will also underpin the next A and B-Class cars.

If Benz follows its practice of naming the CLS a 'four-door coupe', expect the CLA to be labelled in much the same way. Basically it looks set to be a low-roof sedan though. Since the CLA will be essentially a rebodied A-Class, it's likely to run the same drivetrain systems, including a 150kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 127kW 2.2-litre diesel.

Pictured with the CLA are more spy photos of the A-Class already reported to illustrate the difference in design and proportions. Benz plans to bring out the A-Class next year and the CLA is expected to follow in either 2013 or 2014. Presuming the CLA will reach Australia it will provide an affordable, premium-style package within a small-car footprint — arguably something Benz customers in Australia will take to in droves.

— with Carparazzi

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