There’s far more sporting intention on show with the CLA 45 AMG over its regular brother, the CLA. You get some incredibly supportive bucket seats and coloured heater vents hint further towards this being a performance car.

The multimedia system and trip computer controls work exactly the same as in other Mercedes products, which means it feels like a familiar place to be when you first get in.

In terms of driving position there isn’t a lot to complain about – there’s loads of visibility and you feel comfortable sat behind the wheel.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG comfort levels are pretty high. Although it has some seriously comfortable and supportive bucket seats, it also rides quite harshly and may prove quite uncomfortable on poor UK roads.

That said, it rides better and is quieter than the A 45 AMG, so all is not lost.

In terms of noise, any road or wind roar is cancelled out by the visceral cry coming from that engine.

There are two suspension set-ups available; AMG Sport Suspension and the optional AMG Performance Suspension. The former is slightly softer and better suited for road use, the latter more for track driving.