Whether Mercedes calls its upcoming baby SUV the GLA is still unconfirmed, but what we can be sure of is that it won't be bought for its off-roading capabilities. Nonetheless the new Silver Star has been spied undergoing cold weather testing in Northern Europe - wearing slightly less camouflage than the last time we saw it - to make sure it can cope with extreme conditions. With more of the car exposed to the elements, its resemblance to the A-Class, with which it shares the same MFA platform, is coming into focus.

Taller and more muscular than the A-Class hatchback with an upright grille and more pronounced front and rear fenders, the GLA bears a more fashionable couple-like shape than the boxy GLK, and will sport a panoramic sunroof stretching back to the C-pillar. Mercedes will offer the GLA in front- and four-wheel-drive formats, while powerplants and transmissions will likely be carried over from the A- and B-Class models, so expect four-cylinder engines burning either gasoline or diesel. The GLA will likely hit European showrooms in 2014, followed shortly after by a CLA four-door coupe and SLA roadster.

Check out the best SUVs for snow.