Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new CLA four-door small coupe at the Detroit Motor Show.

The new model is part of the German brand’s new small family of models, including the A-Class, which will help it compete with BMW and Audi for a younger customer base.

The CLA will come with a radar-based braking system as standard, which will work between 4mph and 124mph. In keeping with Mercedes’ ambitions of lowering its average customer age, the new CLA will have more iPhone integration features, as well as Siri voice control.

Customers will be able to choose from two petrol and one diesel engine, all of which come with stop start technology. The range will be made up of an entry level 120bhp CLA 180, followed by the 208bhp CLA 250 and a 168bhp CLA 220 CDI. A CLA 45AMG will be available after launch.

Order books for the CLA open in March and dealers will get models before June. Prices are expected at around £20,000.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management at Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “The response to the Concept Style Coupé was overwhelming.

“The most frequent comment by far was 'Please put this car into series production.' That's precisely what we are doing now.

"The CLA is a car that does not confuse 'middle range' with 'middling quality'. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand."