Mercedes-Benz that has released images and specs on its brand new entry, ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show. The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA at a starting price of about £25,000, or £3000 above corresponding A-class models.

With a gently sloping roofline, a prominent grille, flowing character lines on its flanks, a sporty rear end with a dual exhaust system. The arrangement of the headlights and LEDs behind the headlamp lens evokes the characteristic "flame effect" for the optional daytime running lights and indicators.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is based on the A-Class hatchback's new MFA (modular front architecture) platform, which has a McPherson strut front suspension and a multilink independent rear suspension.

The cabin is heavily influenced by the A-Class including air vents are round; piano black trim; silver accents and a display screen is mounted on top of the dash.

In the US, the car will launch with a single 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine option in the CLA 250 that develops 208 bhp (155 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. All engines are mounted transversely, drive the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-four wheels in the 4MATIC variant.

In Europe and other markets, Mercedes will offer a wider variety of both diesel and petrol engines. The sole diesel model at launch will be the CLA220 CDI, powered by a 168bhp 2.1-litre turbodiesel.

On the technology front, the CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC are also available with the Premium package for an even higher level of comfort and convenience. Its features include an iPod/MP3 media interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, the harman/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, heated front seats, auto dimming mirrors, integrated garage door opener, dual-zone climate control and a compass.

If that's not impressive enough, Mercedes offers a large panorama roof, 'ATTENTION ASSIST' drowsiness detection, 'COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST' include AMG styling package; Blind Spot Assist; adaptive Brake Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will go on sale in the United States this September.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (18 pictures) [/alert]

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Five official images of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have surfaced the Internet ahead of its scheduled debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month.

After months of preliminary info, rumors, the car rides on the same MFA front-wheel drive platform and the "floating dots" front grille. Around back, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is fitted with CLS-inspired tail lamps, two rectangular exhaust tips, more angular headlights and a curved trunk lid.

Looking fairly attractive, the new CLA-Class is equipped a touch screen; comprehensive iPhone integration; the air vents are round and adorned by chrome trim.

Although technical details are not currently available, but the car will be offered at first with three gasoline engines and a diesel -  same engines that are found under the hood of the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes' has already confirmed an all-wheel drive AMG-tuned variant of the sedan is set to appear before the end of next year.

[alert style="green"] Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (5 pictures)[/alert]

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