WHEN SCOTLAND was wracked by snow and ice a few years back, a couple of big brand names got the name of being left in the driveway because they simply could not cope - being rear-wheel-drive.

But, it seems that this was a wake-up call for companies like Mercedes and BMW to produce more 'all-weather' cars fit for travelling on the slidy stuff. One such car is the Mercedes-Benz 220 CDI GLA 4Matic, which I tested with an AMG spec'.

This actually looks quite sporty thanks to the AMG additions, but it isn't, in actual fact, all that racy. It has a 168bhp, 220 CDI engine which is supposed to allow it just a little more than eight seconds to do the ubiquitous timed run of 0-62mph. However, the reality of it is the seven-speed gearbox never really seems to man up to that and I found it a little hesitant at times.

So, it's not a boy racer. But it does have many attributes. For a start, it looks pretty smart and there is a purposeful, angular feel to it. It is also pretty good at using that 4Matic technology to keep you safely on the tarmac, though I wouldn't expect it to handle some serious off-road stuff, even though it has an added 50mm of ride height when set against the mainstream A-class models.

There are some nifty safety devices, such as the Downhill Speed Regulation button, which can control serious descents if the driver asks it to. It also has a first class reversing camera complemented by Merc's Active Park Assist system, to guide you into tight spots.

It is also very economical and the brochure shows that it can do mid-50s mpg, but as is the way of these things, reality is different - though hitting 50mpg is not out of the question.

Don't expect to get the usual foot-operated handbrake associated with Mercs. This one has once of those electronic jobs fitted and while I'm not their greatest supporter, this one seemed to work very well and had a hill hold facility which is useful in the high rise streets of Glasgow.

I liked the interior, too, and the seats proved to be very comfortable, even for someone of larger disposition such as myself. And, of course, the optional extra of heated seats is great for those early morning aches and pains.

On the face of it, the starting price of £31,035 is not too bad, but by the time all the extras such as the 'night package' of 19-inch alloys, AMG styling and run-flat tyres added £495; then the 'premium plus' options which included park assist, heated seats, bi-xenon headlights with wash, dual zone air con and panoramic sunroof, at £2365; and the driver's assistance package at £1495 with the very good sat-nav and in-car entertainment system adding another £1600, then this added up to a hefty £37,000.

All in all, this is a vehicle which won't get stuck in the driveway when the weather worsens and is an ideal crossover between an out and out SUV and a hatchback.