Mercedes GLA 250e review: a great company car on paper – but an average one in reality

This tendency isn't helped by the way the gearbox seems far too eager to kick down, doing so even when you're barely squeezing the accelerator pedal any harder, which causes the engine revs to rise. Also, our test car had an annoying electronic whine through the interior. It didn't rise in pitch with speed, which rules out electric motor whine, but did increase in volume.

All of this gives a sense of the GLA 250e's powertrain being just a little rough around the edges - as though it could have done with a little finessing before going on sale.

The Telegraph verdict

Perhaps that's the payoff, then, for the relatively reasonable tax liability. Because it's impossible to deny that the plug-in GLA is good value for company car drivers; what is more, it looks the part, inside and out, and there's enough space for family use. It's just a bit of a shame that, on the road, it feels slightly clunky - as though Mercedes ran out of time and money to fine-tune it.

Had they done so, the GLA might indeed be the ideal company car for many user-choosers. As it is, it can't quite lay claim to perfection.

The facts

On test: Mercedes-Benz GLA250e Body style: Five-door SUV

On sale: Now How much? GBP46,820 on the road (range from GBP35,625)

How fast?

130mph, 0-62mph in 7.9sec How economical?

256.8mpg (WLTP Combined) Engine & gearbox: 1,332cc four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic gearbox, front-wheel drive

Electric powertrain: AC permanent magnet synchronous motor with 16kWh battery, 11kW on-board charger, Type 2 charging socket Electric range: 48 miles (EAER) Maximum power/torque: 161bhp/420lb ft

CO2 emissions: 28g/km (WLTP Combined) VED: GBP0 first year, GBP570 next five years, then GBP0 Warranty: 3 years / unlimited miles

Spare wheel as standard: No (not available)

The rivals

BMW X1 xDrive25e M Sport

242bhp, 353.1mpg, GBP47,420 on the road