Mercedes GLA 45 AMG

The GLA45 AMG is exactly what it looks like: a raving mad AMG version of the rugged new GLA-Class that’s plugged Benz into the compact SUV market. Or, all the oily bits that makes the A45 AMG so psychotically fast stuffed into a GLA shell.

This means it’s got the A45 AMG’s supernatural 2.0-litre four that spins its crank to the tune of 265 kW/450 Nm, along with its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and there’s an on-demand all-wheel drive system that can deploy up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear axle. The stoppers, tyre width and strut front/multi-link rear suspension arrangement are also identical.

Even before these hot bits become relevant, though, you’ll discover the base GLA’s main differences to its A- and CLA-Class siblings make it a more liveable high-performance compact.

The car’s perched higher by 40mm, so there’s a slight suppleness in its ride on Australian roads that doesn’t exist in the A45 or CLA45.

On the inside, the longer and higher body give it a little more weight around the hips (30kg more) but award it with extra rear seat and luggage room. It’s the same affair up front as its AMG siblings, the highlight being a classy Alcantara-wrapped tiller that’s wonderfully tactile, and the abandonment of the column gear-stalk, but the higher seating position doesn't feel alien.

It’s easy enough to drive that even your nan could have a go. Sure, she’ll yak about the transmission’s lazy low speed antics and the lag when the snail’s not blowing hard, but the damping’s polite and, besides the bark of revs on start-up, the exhaust isn’t as intrusive at cruising speeds as you’d think.

Then you raise the adrenalin stakes, and the GLA45 AMG kicks butt like Kung Fu Panda. Its loftier height and heftier weight mean initial roll, dive and squat moments are a tad more pronounced than the A45’s, but body control is excellent and it’s extremely placid thanks to huge grip reserves.

The steering’s direct and well weighted, and the chass is will absorb the rudest bumps with minimal disruption to the car’s trajectory or composure.

In a straight line the acceleration’s potent, if not fierce, and the brakes, engine and transmission feel like they could take the punishment all day. There’s such a huge depth to the car’s ability that you know you’ll splinter before it does, and it’ll take you home calmly afterwards, too.

Purists of the broader enthusiast church might be worried it’s slower to 100 km/h and $4K more expensive than the A45 AMG, that it looks like an A-Class that’s snacked on too many bagels, or that it might be diluting the AMG brand. But Mercedes isn’t losing any sleep every GLA45 AMG that’s landed already has a driveway to call home. And we’re not surprised.