The new Concept GLA, due to take on BMW’s X1 and Audi’s Q3, will debut at next week’s Auto Shanghai 2013 but in the meantime here are some leaked photos together with an official teaser image.

Based on Mercedes’ new MFA compact vehicle architecture – as used in the A-Class, B-Class and CLA – the GLA will address ever growing segment of small/medium crossovers which represent more than 31 per cent of the total market in Russia and is also the fastest growing segment in China.

Mercedes-GLA_G21

The Concept GLA stands at 4,383mm in length, 1,978mm in width and 1,579 in height and is powered by a 1,991cc 208bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Power is transferred to the road via a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-GLA_G32

Mercedes’ Sales and Marketing Head, Joachim Schmidt, describes the GLA’s as “a compact SUV that combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. ‘Escape the everyday’ is the message that this car conveys to its driver. ”.

Mercedes-GLA_G27

The production GLA, due to launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will sit beneath the second generation GLK, a car which we never received here in the UK. Mercedes are also working on a larger SAC to rival BMW’s X6/X4 and Audi’s Q5.

mercedes benz motor show shanghai SUV