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Small Premium SUV of the Year 2022: Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is the Auto Express 2022 Small Premium SUV of the Year with the Cupra Formentor and Range Rover Evoque commended

The Mercedes GLA chalks up a hat-trick of wins in the small premium SUV class, because there’s not a single rival that can compete with the German model’s talent and the choice available in one single package.

First, there’s the number of variants available. At the lower end of the scale, there are modestly powered petrol and diesel options that manage to combine fuel-sipping MPG figures between the pumps with a keen turn of speed for the cash. Then, if you’re a company-car driver, the GLA 250 e provides a plug-in hybrid powertrain that not only delivers a firm shove in the back courtesy of its 215bhp output, but also achieves WLTP-certified CO2 emissions as low as 31g/km and an electric-only range of 37 miles.

Then there’s the fire-breathing GLA 45 S – AMG’s take on the SUV gives true supercar-baiting performance, with the 0-62mph sprint taking a rather bonkers 4.3 seconds.

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What impresses us more than that choice is that each of these models manages to nail its brief perfectly. The entry-level cars are soothing to drive, the plug-in hybrid achieves great fuel economy figures in the real world, while the GLA 45 S version will set your pulse racing as fast as the finest hyper-hatchbacks.

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But the appeal doesn’t stop there. Inside, the fabulous cabin design is enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which combines a pair of razor-sharp displays with trendsetting tech such as augmented-reality instructions for the satellite navigation and multi-coloured ambient lighting. These systems are so neatly integrated into such a widely appealing package that it’s easy to see why the GLA has taken its third consecutive victory in this category.

Our choice

Mercedes GLA 200 AMG Line Executive (£38,345)

For most buyers, the entry-level petrol engine will be more than adequate; the 159bhp GLA 200 still offers strong performance and decent efficiency. In AMG Line Executive trim, it’s priced at £38,345, and gets 19-inch alloys as standard, plus a reversing camera, 64-colour ambient lighting and sports front seats.

Commended

Cupra Formentor

This class is awash with stylish contenders, but the Cupra Formentor offers a different prospect. While its VW Group mechanicals are familiar – ranging from a plug-in hybrid to a 306bhp petrol turbo – it’s the unique badge and the chopped-roof SUV proportions that make it truly stand out.

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Range Rover Evoque

Style and tech are pretty much a given in this segment, and the Evoque has both in spades. Less expected is a car that combines such accomplished on-road manners with staggering off-road ability. It might look like a city slicker, but it’s equally at home rolling its sleeves up and mucking in.

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The 2022 New Car Awards are brought to you in association with Hankook tyres

New Car Awards 2022: the winners

New Car Awards 2022: introductionLuxury Car of the Year 2022: Range Rover
Car of the Year 2022: Nissan AriyaHot Hatch of the Year 2022: Hyundai i20 N
City Car of the Year 2022: Fiat 500Coupe of the Year 2022: BMW 2 Series Coupe
Supermini of the Year 2022: Renault ClioConvertible of the Year 2022: MINI Convertible
Family Car of the Year 2022: Dacia JoggerPerformance Car of the Year 2022: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Estate Car of the Year 2022: Skoda Octavia EstateAffordable Electric Car of the Year 2022: MG ZS EV
Small Company Car of the Year 2022: Renault Megane E-Tech ElectricPremium Electric Car of the Year 2022: BMW i4
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2022: Nissan AriyaAffordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2022: Toyota Yaris
Large Company Car of the Year 2022: BMW 5 SeriesPremium Hybrid Car of the Year 2022: Mercedes C 300 e
Small SUV of the Year 2022: Kia NiroPick-up of the Year 2022: Ford Ranger
Mid-size SUV of the Year 2022: Hyundai TucsonVan of the Year 2022: Fiat Ducato
Large SUV of the Year: Skoda KodiaqElectric Van of the Year 2022: Ford E-Transit
Small Premium SUV of the Year: Mercedes GLATechnology Award 2022: Mercedes-Vision EQXX
Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year: Lexus NXHall of Fame Inductees
Large Premium SUV of the Year: Land Rover DefenderPrevious winners

Special edition of Auto Express

Auto Express Issue 1,736

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2022 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

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