This is the new Mercedes A-Class Saloon

This is not the new Mercedes CLA. There will be one, but this isn’t it. It’s actually the new Mercedes A-Class ‘Sedan’. And it’s coming to Britain, where no doubt they’ll call it a ‘Saloon’.

Back in April Mercedes unveiled a long-wheelbase A-Class Sedan at the Beijing Motor Show. Because if there’s one thing China likes in a car, it’s rear-legroom. But the rest of the world isn’t bothered, so before putting it on sale elsewhere, Mercedes trimmed 60mm from the wheelbase.

Engines, tech and, well, everything fore of the B-Pillar is pure A-Class Hatch. From launch it’ll be available with either the 1.3-litre ‘A200’ petrol engine (with 161bhp and 184lb ft) or 1.5-litre ‘A180d’ four-cylinder diesel (with 114bhp and 192lb ft). Both get a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive.

Might be a bit greener than the Hatch, even though the engines are the same. See, Mercedes claims the A Saloon isn’t just the most aerodynamic car in its class or at its price-point, but the most aerodynamic car on sale today. Context? The new Alpine A110 has a drag coefficient of 0.31. The A Saloon’s is 0.22. Lower is better.

Inside it’s the same twin-screen setup featuring the new, and quite excellent, MBUX infotainment system. That means voice control that actually works, and if you tick the right option box, flash augmented reality sat-nav. Meanwhile S-Class-level driver assistance tech keeps you pointing in the right direction.

This, or an Audi A3 Saloon?