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By Jonathan Crouch

The GLA 35 4MATIC is a complete but very pricey fast small SUV package. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 51

If you like the Mercedes-AMG A 35 but need something more practical, this almost identically-engineered GLA 35 SUV model might well fit the bill - if you can afford to stretch to it. It's not the most engaging choice in its segment, but there's a lot of technology and polish here.

Backgroundword count: 129

There's quite a market for small crossover SUVs with hot hatch-style engines and a premium feel. If you're thinking of this kind of car, you'll already be looking at models like the Audi SQ2, the BWW X2 M35i and possibly also the CUPRA Ateca and the Volkswagen T-Roc R. To that list, you'll want to add this car, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. As you might know, the '35' version of this GLA is showroom stablemate to the wild Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+. And shares virtually all its engineering with the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC hot hatch and saloon models. Which means that the latest version we look at here has gained those '35' shopping rocket models' 48V mild hybrid embellishment for its four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

Driving Experienceword count: 227

The four cylinder 2.0-litre engine borrowed from the A 35 has the same performance stats with this updated GLA 35 model - 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. This has now been embellished with a 48V mild hybrid module which adds 13bhp to the powertrain at low revs and also energises the start stop system. The 62mph from rest sprint takes 5.2s en route to 155mph. And there's a 4MATIC 4WD system that allows up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. But you don't get the torque vectoring rear differential of the faster GLA 45, or that car's wild 'drift mode'. There's an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G 8-speed paddle shift auto transmission and buyers get much the same 'Dynamic Select' driving modes system as you'd find the AMG GT sports car, with 'comfort', 'sport', 'sport+' and 'individual' settings. There's quick, precise steering. And with top 'Premium Plus' trim you get adaptive damping, though you won't want to engage the stiffer 'sport+' mode very often because it makes the already rather over-firm ride firmer still, particularly with larger wheel sizes fitted. There's quite a bit of road noise, but what might sell you this car to you is its fruity exhaust note complete with parps and crackles. Through the turns, there's lots of grip but not much of a feeling of hot hatch-style engagement.

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