Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

Due to start landing in Australian driveways any day, the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Sport 4MATIC is tipped to become the compact sedan's model range sales leader, according to the local division. Speaking at the Australian and New Zealand launch of the turbocharged four-wheel drive CLA250 Sport (pictured), Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy said he would not be surprised if the mid-level model became the range’s most popular.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan will start almost $15K higher than its A-Class sister car when it arrives in showrooms in October. The local division has confirmed a $49,900 price tag for the entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA200, making it $14,300 more than the less-powerful A180 base model hatch and $9000 pricier than the mechanically identical A200, though Mercedes-Benz Australia points out the difference between the latter is only $4000 when equally specified.

Images of the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG compact performance four-door 'coupe' undergoing testing have been released by the German car maker. The high-quality pictures reveal the CLA’s shape and design won’t stray too far from the Concept Style Coupe (below) that previewed the car earlier this year. Mercedes also released details of the new all-wheel-drive system that will underpin the CLA45 AMG, as well as its hatchback twin, the A45 AMG.