IT'S not too hard, and it's not too soft, so that means the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG 4Matic should be just right for most. The GLA45 is the third AMG model to feature a four-cylinder engine after the A45 and CLA45. The two-litre turbocharged petrol unit is the world's most powerful four-pot in production and it sounds like a dynamo in the A45 hot hatch but toned down somewhat for the CLA45. Sitting right in the middle between the two, though, is the GLA45 compact SUV, in terms of its suspension, power delivery and styling.

All three cars may have a different bodyshell but they share the same platform with 4Matic all-wheel-drive. The GLA45 looks like a beefier and taller version of the A45, but it's actually a crossover with a higher ride height and better headroom but with an identical 2,699 mm wheelbase. The cabin has the familiar round air vents and flat-bottomed steering wheel. But in the Edition 1 variant of the GLA45, there are special details such as an Edition 1 badge behind the dinky gear lever, Artico synthetic leather with red stitching, and Edition 1 trim on the fascia. On the outside, there are garish decals but very nice 20-inch matt black and red AMG rims with hub caps with a central-locking design. Various red accents are also applied across the car. But it is the way it sounds and moves that makes the GLA45 such a delightful AMG version. The 360 hp and massive 450 Newton-metres of torque are delivered more measuredly than in the A45, but certainly more urgently than in the CLA45.

The engine noise is never raucous although the exhaust still burbles away exquisitely, but in Sport or Manual modes (the steering wheel gets slender aluminium-look shift paddles). 4Matic maintains excellent grip in corners by varying the torque distribution. It can send 100 per cent to the front wheels, or split the torque 50:50 between the two axles, depending on driving conditions. The increased traction from 4Matic is also what allows the GLA45 to zip from zero to 100 kmh in under five seconds.