Mercedes Plans CLA-Based Mini-Wagon

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit intends to expand its CLA small sedan lineup in 2015 with a four-door wagon, according to media reports.

Called the CLA Shooting Brake, the variant will be a downsized version of the Mercedes four-door CLS Shooting Brake.

The phrase "shooting brak" normally denotes a two-door wagon with a swept-back roofline. Mercedes says the term applies to its four-door wagons because of their coupelike profiles.

The CLA wagon, which is not expected to reach the American market, will be the fifth Mercedes model to ride on the company's compact front-wheel-drive platform. Others include the redesigned A- and B-Class hatchbacks, CLA sedan and GLA crossover.

Mercedes reportedly has dropped plans for a CLA convertible and roadster, at least until the platform receives its next major overhaul in about five years.