Mercedes Concept GLA

A Concept That Looks Showroom Ready

• Mercedes is keen to take its slice of the compact SUV market with this four-wheel drive take on the A- and B- Class paltform. Ditch the massive 20in wheels with styled slick tyres for something a little smaller, lose the roof-mounted projector beam lights and you have the GLA, which will be appearing in a Mercedes-Benz dealership near you in 2014.

Sporty SUV Coupe

• This isn't just another SUV according to Mercedes. 'The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment - this is a sporty and more coupe-like evolution of this category of vehicle,' said Merc's maketing boss Dr Joachim Schmidt. What PR drivel - it really is just another SUV, though one that looks stylish enough to keep up with the Range Rover Evoque on the catwalk.

What's Beneath The Concept Skin?

• The GLA will run the same fourpot petrol and diesels as the B-Class; Mercedes showcased the 211bhp turbodiesel in the concept. The seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox and 4Matic four-wheel drive system will also be available.

Lasers For Eyes

• Lesers? Not the weapon for a new Transformer but new lighting technology on the Concept GLA. The lights are actually a combination of laser and LED tech, which give off a shimmering blue-tinged light at the front. They even have rotating vents for cooling. It might sound mad but lasers produce very clear light and can be sharply focussed.

Wacky Concept Ideas

• It wouldn't be a concept car without some oddball elements sneaked into the design. Mercedes is staying on message with removable cameras - so you can stick them on your mountainbike helmet, obviously - and lights on the roof rails, a tyre that continues the alloy wheels' blade design in the tread, and lamps that can used as film projectors.