Currently reading: 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA facelift spotted testing - first pictures
Updated Mercedes-Benz CLA will go on sale towards the middle of next year, with minor styling and mechanical upgrades

These are the first pictures of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz CLA, which has been spotted testing ahead of going on sale towards the middle of next year.

Although styling changes for the CLA are minor, they're intended to bring the car in line with the rest of the facelifted A-Class range, which was revealed in June. A similarly upgraded version of the CLA Shooting Brake has also recently been spotted testing.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Benz CLA saloon

Among the styling changes to be applied to the CLA is a reprofiled front bumper and updated light clusters. The rest of the car remains largely unchanged.

Like the CLA Shooting Brake, the CLA is set to benefit from a series of engine updates, which are likely to improve on current fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures, while the car's suspension set-up is said to have been upgraded.

Among the new options in line for the CLA is the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the A-Class, while a new Dynamic Plus package will be available on the range-topping CLA45 AMG version.

Earlier this year Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that the CLA45 AMG would get the same engine as the updated A45 AMGThe turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine now produces 376bhp (up from 355bhp) and 350lb ft of torque in the A45.

Alongside the rest of the Mercedes-Benz model range, the CLA will receive new naming designations. Petrol versions feature just a number to denote their variant, while diesel models get a 'd' after their name, in place of the current CDI and Bluetec badges.

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The CLS sold on its exclusivity. Can the Mercedes CLA pull the same trick - or do its A-Class underpinnings hold it back?

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