While no one expects a crossover like the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA (keep in mind, the name is not final) to be a true-blue off-roader, Stuttgart’s engineers are making sure that their new model will be able to handle itself properly on more extreme conditions such as snow covered forest paths and roads.
Our spy shooters captured a more lightly camouflaged GLA prototype while undergoing its first cold weather testing in Northern Europe.
Since many parts of the car’s body are now exposed, we can only assume that this is what the production model will look like; a taller and more muscular version of the A-Class five-door hatchback with a more upright front grille and more heavily pronounced front and rear fenders.
All this makes sense since the GLA is based on the A-Class, with which it shares the same platform, four-cylinder (petrol and diesel) engine range and all-wheel drive system, though, it is likely that Mercedes will offer the crossover with front-wheel drive as well.
Look for Stuttgart’s BMW X1 and Audi Q3 competitor in showrooms sometime in 2014.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
PHOTO GALLERY
