A few days ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, and a few years ahead of its market launch as a production model, Mercedes Benz released the first official photos of the car that starts the new GLA-Class. It is a small crossover, and it is based on the Mercedes A-Class.

Basically a jacked-up, buffed-up A-Class, the GLA will be powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, including the awesome 2.0 liter turbo AMG unit in the GLA45 AMG model. That would be like the ultimate urban crossover. But for those who just want something nice and high to drive around the town in, Mercedes offers a wide range of efficient petrol and diesel units.

The choice of four-wheel-drive will be optional for the entry-level models, while the more powerful versions, including the AMG, will be fitted with 4Matic as standard.

Design-wise, the concept car shows 80 percent of what the finished product will look like. The profile of the car and the shape of the head and taillights will remain unchanged, but some of the details such as the large 20-inch wheels, or the fancy bumpers will be eliminated. It is a good-looking vehicle, but the GLA is not likely to cause Range Rover Evoque any trouble.