Mercedes-Benz reveals its first-ever compact SUV, the aerodynamic GLA

 The aerodynamic GLA: Mercedes-Benz's first-ever compact SUV, on sale in November
All roads lead to Germany next week as the Frankfurt Motor Show gets under way. Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its first-ever compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) - the GLA - on sale here in November at around £25,000 with deliveries expected from early next year.


The aerodynamic GLA is the first Merc SUV to have as an option the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

Four different models are available: the GLA, ML, GL and G.

The 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engines will range from 156 bhp in the GLA 200 to 211 bhp in the GLA 250.

The two 2.2-litre diesels are the GLA 200 CDI, which develops 136 bhp, yet emits only 114 g CO2/km, and the GLA 220 CDI, which develops 170 bhp.

The GLA promises average fuel economy of up to 65 mpg thanks to an 'eco start/stop' function as standard.

The GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 145 mph, combined consumption of 39.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 151 g/km.
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Fire up the Quattro - again. At the Frankfurt show, Audi is going back to its Vorsprung durch Technik roots to unleash a four-wheel-drive coupe fit for the 21st century.

Inspired by the classic icon of the Eighties, the new Quattro Sport prototype is a petrol-electric hybrid that will accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, has a top speed of 190 mph, yet will still manage 113 mpg.

Its combined 690 bhp is derived from a 552 bhp twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine linked to a 147 bhp electric motor and eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Audi says that, once charged, it will cover up to 30 miles on electric power alone. It is expected to go into production from 2016 and cost more than the scintillating R8 sports car at around £125,000.

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A new world record for the largest electric car convoy was set silently this week when 260 (and a half) pollution-free vehicles hit the road.

Almost half those taking part -128-and-a-half - were Nissan Leafs, now built in Sunderland, where 2,000 new jobs have been created. The 'half car' was a specially made cutaway which has half its bodywork in place and the other half removed to show its inner workings.

The 'half car': A Nissan Leaf taking part in the world's longest convoy of electric cars

The world-record electric avenue of cars took place in Norwegian capital Oslo, and to qualify all the cars had to all be on the road at the same time over a 2½-mile route.

The 'half car' also featured in the previous record, set with just Nissan Leafs at Silverstone last year. That feat was comfortably beaten in Norway.

The second-generation Leaf incorporates more than 100 significant changes and improvements.

It has a range of 123 miles and can be recharged in half the time of the original.
It costs from £25,000, but £20,000 with a taxpayer subsidy, though this could be phased out.

Meanwhile, Nissan says that self-driving 'autonomous' Leafs, being tested here and in the U.S., should be on UK roads by 2020.

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