FORMULA One-style has been brought to the Mercedes-Benz A-class with the launch of the Vision SLA concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. At just over 12ft long, the SLA open top two-seater is powered by the 1.9-litre engine from the A190 and produces 125bhp with a top speed of 130mph.

It draws on many of the features of the super-sportscar SLR 5.8-litre V8, which is due to go into production in 2003, but it also has the A-class's suspension and safety elements and brings the roadster experience to the compact car sector. The arrow-shaped bonnet and overall design is reminiscent of the Mercedes McLaren and McLaren, the German marque's Formula One partner, will assemble the SLR coupe when it goes into production.