Sector: Lower-medium Price (June 2013): £29,355 Fuel: 62.8mpg CO2: 117g/km

From being a platform which could only spawn small MPVs, Mercedes-Benz has transformed the A-Class into a base for not only a sharp-looking hatchback, but the B-Class MPV, the GLA SUV recently shown as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show and the very pretty CLA-Class four-door coupe.

The CLA is perhaps cleverest bit of brand positioning of the group. While the A-Class will revolutionise the carmaker’s European line-up, it’s an irrelevant model for saloon-loving markets in Asia and North America. But a small saloon car is a problem in Europe – booted versions of big sellers such as the Focus and Astra aren’t even available in the UK, and Volkswagen sells 20 Golfs for every Jetta sold here.

The CLA does more than cover both bases. Shown as a concept in Beijing before breaking cover in Detroit as a production car, Mercedes-Benz knows exactly where its key markets lie. But by eschewing dowdy small saloon styling for frameless windows and a CLS-like silhouette it’s managed not to become the brand’s alternative to a Volkswagen Jetta. As a result, it shouldn’t alienate European buyers.

If you’re familiar with the A-Class, then most of the CLA won’t be a surprise. The dashboard and tombstone-shaped sports seats are shared, while the front end is almost identical gaining only SLK-like power domes on the bonnet and slightly reshaped headlamps. None of this is a bad thing, as the A-Class is a fine looking small car.

At the back, the sloping bootlid doesn’t impact on load space too heavily and the rear bench still folds as in the A-Class. As both have the same CLS-like window shape from the side, the CLA arguably looks even more natural than its sibling when viewed from the side.

With no Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel to spearhead its low CO2 emissions, the most efficient CLA is the single diesel engine. It’s the familiar 2.1-litre, 170bhp unit used in almost all of the range, offering a combined 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 117g/km and making this a surprisingly relaxed companion for long journeys. With one of the most aerodynamic bodyshells on sale over the top, it’s also very quiet.

The only gripes are that it shares its very firm ride quality and ponderous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with the A-Class. Both are fine at high speeds, but rough roads and busy roundabouts aren’t the CLA’s strongest points.

It’s also rather pricey. The diesel version starts at just under £30,000 and comes without leather, satellite navigation or even DAB radio. It’s not significantly cheaper than an equivalent C-Class, or even an E-Class, though neither can match it on style.

This said, the CLA shapes up to be a thoroughly likeable all-rounder. It’s as quiet and almost as comfortable as some of its larger siblings, and manages to pull off being a small saloon car without being the undesirable part of the small car line-up.

Verdict:

Efficient, comfortable and good to drive, the CLA proves practicality doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the style and presence. But that four-door coupe on-road presence comes at a price.