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Mercedes GLA – the A-Class SUV – will arrive in production guise at Frankfurt

The production version of the Mercedes GLA Concept (pictured) will debut at Frankfurt 2013 It’s only three months since the new Mercedes GLA debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show as a concept, but it’s already close to arriving in production guise. In fact, it looks like the new GLA – based on the new Mercedes A-Class underpinnings – will arrive in production form at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of going on sale in early 2014. The new GLA is aimed squarely at the competition from the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, and if it delivers as well as the A-Class has it stands a very good chance of becoming the pick of the premium compact SUVs.

Lexus IS 250C launches

The Lexus IS 250C launched in Japan this week - and will reach the UK in July The IS Convertible comes in two flavours – the Lexus IS250 C and the 350C – although the initial launch is just the IS 250C. The IS 350C will launch later in the year. Lexus has been working on the IS Convertible for some time, and is aiming it straight in the sites of similar offerings from both BMW and Audi.

Infiniti M35 Hybrid revealed

The Infiniti M35 Hybrid - due to launch in 2011 The M35 Hybrid is based on the Infiniti M which was revealed recently at Pebble Beach. It will feature a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor by a clutch, which means the drive goes through the propshaft to the rear wheels whatever mix of power source is being used. The M35 Hybrid is a mild hybrid, with the electric motor being used to boost the petrol engine when maximum power is called for, as well as charging the battery and recovering energy that would otherwise be lost under braking and acceleration.