STANDING some 122mm taller than its predecessor and boasting a 97mm higher seating position, at first glance it would seem Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in making the new GLA compact SUV more SUV-like as opposed to just being a jacked-up A-Class.

Ultimately though that is exactly what it is given it still rides on the same architecture as the rest of the compact portfolio and is powered by the same familiar range of engines.

Sticking with the theme of increased size, the new model is also 30mm wider, while having 30mm added to its wheelbase and 50mm to its front and rear tracks.

It is however, 14mm shorter than the old model but Mercedes insists there is plenty more room inside the cabin than before.

To find out how the new model stacks up, we spent some time in the mid-range GLA250 4Matic, the variant Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has singled out as the volume seller.