Saint-Tropez, France - If you are a young, successful executive in the market for a premium German car but have been shunning the three-pointed star because of its association with portly towkays, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is supposed to change your mind.

Based on looks alone, it has half the battle won. Looking like a rebellious offspring of a union between an A-class and CLS, this compact four-door coupe's proportions are, quite simply, breathtaking.

With a sloping roofline a la CLS and more concave and convex surfaces than a Sports Illustrated model, the CLA exudes style and sexiness.

Its contours are not just for show either. With extensive underbody panelling, a streamlined rear section, aerodynamic wheels and numerous fins and spoilers on the wheel arches, the CLA has a drag-coefficient (Cd) value of just 0.23.

To put that in perspective, the Cd value of a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is 0.29. This makes the CLA the most slippery production car in the world - contributing to its impressive 6.2 litres/100km consumption figure.

Inside, the anti-uncle theme continues with a cabin that is more SLS than S-class. It boasts Recaro-like integral front seats (which are extremely comfortable and supportive), a sporty dash and rubber-studded metal pedals.

The car on test was the CLA250, a top-of-the-range petrol version (that is, until an AMG variant emerges). Its 2- litre turbo engine puts out 211bhp and 350Nm of torque from 1,200rpm.

As such, it does not require a heavy foot for the 1,480kg car to hurtle towards the horizon. It hits 100kmh in 6.7 seconds, which is pretty respectable.

The car comes with Direct Steer (which regulates both the ratio and the amount of assistance according to the car's speed), sports suspension and 18-inch alloys as standard.

On the road, the CLA's ride was firm but not harsh. Body roll was evident but minimal. Its nicely weighted steering enabled the driver to perform reasonably quick directional changes, and had adequate feel to it.

What is not as quick though is the car's transmission. While gear changes around town are fairly adequate, the 7G-DCT struggles to cope manual inputs when spirited driving and instant shifts are required.

Highways are where the CLA really shines. Its refined, torquey engine provides plenty of forward momentum. Ride quality improves the faster you go.

Coupled with the car's excellent aeroacoustics (thanks to its streamlined profile), you have a machine that devours motorways in typical Mercedes fashion.

The car is quite roomy. At 4,630mm long and 1,777mm wide, the CLA is 39mm longer and 7mm wider than a C-class. Its wheelbase may be 61mm shorter but rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, thanks to the sculpted rear profile of the front seats.

Headroom is tolerable, despite the plunging coupe-esque roofline.

It has a 470-litre boot - just 5 litres less than the C-class. This begs the question: Why would you buy a C-class?

Well, for one, the C-class is a competent rear-wheel-drive that rivals the BMW 3-series.

The CLA shares the same front-wheel-drive platform as the A- and B-class models. But it probably has the best driving dynamics of the lot. Not to mention stunning looks.

It may not offer as involving a drive as, say, a similarly equipped 3-series but it is not far off either.

With the CLA250 expected to be priced very close to the C180, this stylish new number is set to become a showroom sizzler that will draw Merc followers and newcomers alike.

The writer is an occasional contributor to Torque, a motoring monthly published by SPH Magazines.

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