It's hot, so get in line
Mercedes-Benz' hot-selling GLA something-or-other offers a keen insight into current buyer psychology.
No one's sure if it's a hatch or an SUV, while some suggest is has a raised coupe look - or something.
All that's certain is buyers love it so much there's a wait to get one.
The GLA's success is not that surprising, given it taps into two hot trends - prestige brands selling at mainstream prices and the clamour for chic little SUVs.
1. BEAUT BADGES ON A BUDGET
The GLA is the latest car from a top marque to tempt the masses with a low starting price.
It begins at $47,900 for the two- wheel-drive diesel that was my test car last week. That price is similar to top-spec mainstream SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-5 Akera. OK, the Akera is bigger and an all-wheel drive but for some people the Benz luxury- badge lure would be strong.
Audi two years ago broke the $30,000 barrier for prestige brands with its diminutive A1 hatch, which starts at $26,500.
In the brand's bigger A3 range, the Sportback and Sedan start below $40,000 while the Cabriolet begins under $50,000.
Appealing to many downsizing motorists would be a pair of smart hatches, Benz' A-Class and BMW's 1 Series, which start at $35,600 and $36,700 respectively.
And so to micro SUVs.
The Audi Q3 draws a crowd to the showroom with its $42,300 price on a petrol 2WD.
BMW seeks to lure new buyers with a pair of 2WD X1s - a diesel from $46,300 and a petrol from $48,300.
So why are Audi, Benz and BMW spreading the love? Well, actually, it's more out of necessity - they need to sell a lot more cars to be able to afford the R&D that's vital to stay ahead of the pack.
Bigger volumes also mean lower production costs. That's important in a car world where prices have stayed steady for 20 years.
2. CHIC 'CITIFIED' SUVs
No other class of car has had a faster speeding sales bullet in the past three years.
And new models seem to pop up monthly.
Assets such as style, agility and economy are far more important than off-road ability. Indeed, many variants have just 2WD, as with the GLA diesel.
This is a car many people could fancy themselves in - not just for the badge but also for its aesthetics.
Well muscled and set to pounce, the GLA suggests it's a sports coupe much more than it signals mum or dad's practical SUV.
For wending your way through city congestion, it's compact, agile and extremely thrifty (4.6L/100km).
With five doors and split-fold rear seats, it's much more practical than a coupe yet could equally attract a head turn. But nearly every SUV would beat its 341-litre boot.
The superb cabin ambience and sound system created a soothing cocoon for me during traffic jams that could have otherwise have felt like time wasted.
Included are 18-inch alloys, big colour screen, sat nav, electronic tailgate, dual-zone air, Active Parking Assist and a reversing camera.
In a car with limited rear vision, that latter two were much appreciated. Optional gizmos such as the blind-spot monitor also provide extra eyes.
Aimed at thrifty running, the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine isn't sporty but sprightly enough for most people.
If you want to get an idea of how sexy the GLA looks, compare it with Benz' similar-size five-door B-Class model, which on paper looks the better buy.
It's cheaper, roomier and has a 488-litre boot.
But car buying is emotional.
You'd think: "What looks better on me?" And the GLA would be screaming to be picked.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA
Model: 200 CDI
Price: $47,900 plus on-roads
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
Outputs: 100kW/300Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Thirst: 4.6L/100km
