Several spy shots of the upcoming Mercedes CLC sedan have been snapped during the car’s cold weather testing. Expected to be styled as a baby CLS, this compact sedan will be based on the same platform as the upcoming A-Class and B-Class models, meaning it will be a size down from the brand’s C-Class offering.

Using this flexible new paltform Mercedes will be able to offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the CLC. Diesel engines will be offered in Europe, while a North American model will likely sport a 4-cylinder – with the 201-hp turbocharged 1.8L from the C-Class a likely candidate. Both a six-speed manual and 7-speed dual clutch are expected to be offered.

Rumors have also suggest a high-performance AMG version making over 300-hp.

The CLC (which may be badged as the CLA) is expected to arrive in showrooms as early as next year.

GALLERY: Mercedes CLC Spy Photos

There was once a time when it was OK to own a station wagon. Now most people in North America won’t be caught dead in one, and much prefer buying SUVs and crossovers instead.

However, the Europeans have always had a thing for wagons, especially fast ones, and have never stopped making them, although not many on this side of the Atlantic buy them.

The solution, make a cool wagon and call it something different altogether, e.g. Shooting Brake. It’s been a name given to fast wagons in the past, and now Mercedes-Benz will use this name for two of its newest models, the CLS and the CLC.

The CLS Shooting Brake has been expected for a long time now, and will be similar to the concept version which has been shown at motor shows around the world.

The CLC Shooting Brake however will be based on an all-new platform, and is aimed towards the Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming BMW 3-series GT.

Engine choices for the CLS Shooting Brake will be similar to other CLS models, while the CLC will get a host of new engines, including four-cylinder turbos.

Expect these new models to start hitting the showrooms by late 2012.

GALLERY: Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake Concept

[Source: Auto News]

As previously announced, Mercedes-Benz will bring a production version of the A-Class Concept to market in North America in the near future, but it won’t be alone. Joining the premium hatchback will be three more models, all of which will be priced at or below the $30,000 mark. Currently the cheapest model offered in the Mercedes lineup is the C300 Sport Sedan at $33,900.

Specific details aren’t yet available, but the three additional models are believed to be the CLC sedan, the GLC crossover and a small van or MPV that will be offered with an electric powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz USA had originally decided not to bring the A-Class to America but when product planners saw the new concept they did an about-face. Their decision was confirmed last week at the New York Auto Show by the reaction of media and show-goers to the A-Class concept.

In an interview with Automotive News, MBUSA boss Ernst Lieb emphasized how important it is for Mercedes to dominate in the premium small car segment, even commenting that he believes luxury buyers will switch to small cars in the future.

GALLERY: Mercedes A-Class Concept

See after the jump for video of the A-Class Concept from the New york Auto Show:

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In the past, if you wanted a hopped-up version of an A-Class Mercedes you’d have to talk to one of the many German tuners, like Brabus. But according to a new report Mercedes will develop its own high-performance version of the upcoming A-Class under the AMG brand. Targeting the Volkswagen Golf R, this new model is part of a larger plan by Mercedes to challenge VW’s dominance in the lower end of the segment, with several new A and B-Class models including hatchbacks, sedans and even a possible compact or sub-compact crossover.

According to AutoCar, the A-Class AMG model will use all-wheel drive (a new system being developed for the GLC crossover) as well as a supercharged 4-cylinder to make as much as 270-hp and even feature a dual-clutch transmission. That AWD system will reportedly have a rear-bias to deliver a more sporting feel to the small performance car.

AMG’s new boss, Ola Källenius, says the car will mark, “the beginning of a new direction for the company and will expose AMG to a whole new, younger and more dynamic customer base.”

Due out around 2012, Mercedes is expected to deliver the AMG version of its new A-Class first as a 5-door hatchback and later as a four-door coupe, possibly called the CLC and designed to mimic the style of the larger CLS. This mode would then be brought to North America to slot in underneath the C-Class in Mercedes’ lineup.

[Source: AutoCar]