We recently reported that Mercedes-Benz will build a new compact sports sedan named either CLC or CLA at its passenger car plant in Hungary and that we’ll get a preview of the baby CLS via a concept model in April.

The time has come to see the design study as the first official photographs of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe (CSC) landed on the web today, courtesy of the Germancarforums, in advance of its world premiere at next week’s Beijing Auto Show.

The CSC looks like a development of the F 800 Style Concept displayed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with plenty of styling elements borrowed from the newer A-Class Concept shown in New York last year.

Mercedes-Benz’s new MFA platform, which debuted on the production A-Class, underpins the CSC. The German brand’s Audi A3 Sedan rival reportedly measures 4,637mm (182.6 inches) long making it 46mm (1.8 inches) longer than the current C-Class sedan.

The concept model is said to be powered by the same direct injection 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine used on the new A25 that is rated at 208hp (211PS).

The production CLC or CLA will be offered with a similar diesel and gasoline engine lineup to the A-Class hatchback, including a top AMG variant fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo producing more than 320 horses and an all-wheel drive system.

Unlike the A-Class hatchback, the compact four-door coupe model will be offered in the North American market.

We’ll continue to look for more information regarding the CSC and keep you updated.

PHOTO GALLERY

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