Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new compact SUV – the GLA – which will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month before going on sale here in November with a starting price of around £25,000.

The rival to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 is based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and it shares a similar look to the hatchback.We have seen the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover as a concept and also as a prototype for the production model with different disguises. Now little less than a month before its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes has released two design sketches on its Facebook page.

Based on the new A-Class, the GLA sits higher, has bulging fenders, two-bar grille and the interior will be almost identical.

To begin with there will be four engines – two petrols and two diesels. The entry-level model is the GLA 200 which despite the badge is actually a 1.6-litre petrol with 156PS. There will also be a GLA 250 – a 2.0-litre petrol with 211PS that’s available with the 4Matic system.

The diesel models will be far more popular though and both are powered by the same 2.2-litre engine. The GLA 200 CDI whas 136PS and this is the most economical model with a claimed 65.6mpg with CO2 of 114g/km. The more powerful GLA 220 CDI develops 170PS with 350Nm of torque. All models come with an engine start/stop function as standard and a six-speed manual transmission while there’s a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic which is standard on GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models.

The interior of the GLA follows the same design as the A-Class it’s based on with a high centre console and circular air vents. The boot is bigger by 80 litres at 421 litres and has a low load sill and wide opening tailgate which is available with electric opening as an option. There’s also an optional Load Compartment package which means the backrests of the rear seats can be angled to a steeper position, giving a larger boot but still allowing the rear seats to be used.

Mercedes-benz has given the GLA a softer ride, following criticism of the firm set-up of the A-Class but thanks to a rigid body is still promising safe handling both on and off road, helped by reinforcements to the central pillars and underbody.

The GLA will be the first SUV from Mercedes-Benz to be available with the new generation permanent all-wheel drive 4Matic system, with full variable torque distribution, although it will be an optional extra rather than standard fit.