Mercedes debuts CLA 'Style Rebel' - takes inspiration from CLS and Style Coupe

Mercedes-Benz debuted the CLS 'Four door Coupe' in Detroit back in 2003 to critical acclaim - a body style that has since been ported over by its competitors and even Volkswagen with its CC. In 2013, Mercedes is at it again with the new CLA - dubbed the 'Style Rebel'. Essentially a compact CLS, the CLA, features avant-garde styling with design inspirations from the CLS and more evidently the Style Coupe Concept that was revealed at the 2012 Auto China.

Mercedes claims the CLA boasts the best in aerodynamic efficiencies, avant-garde design and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The CLA has not forgone safety for aesthetics as it features the Collision Prevention Assist System as standard - where at speeds above 6km/h, this radar-based braking system warns the driver of obstacles and anticipates braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

"The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was to put the car into into series production -  which is precisely what we are doing now. The CLA is a car that does not confuse 'mid-size' with 'mid-quality'. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand," explained Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The CLA is powered by a turbocharged engine capable of 208bhp and 349Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed transmission. Moreover, the CLA is fitted with sports suspensions and the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The slick design icon hold the world record for aerodynamics with a drag value of just 0.23. The CLA is 4,630mm long, 2,032mm wide and stands 1,437mm tall.

The exterior's sporty appearance is spilled to the interior as well. An 'Anthracite' surface finish is available as standard while optional trims include the more traditional burl walnut or black ash wood and the more sophisticated aluminium finishes. The CLA is equipped with a 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment which can be upgraded to a 7-inch module bundled with the Multimedia package featuring the Comand navigation system among others.