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The UK launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLA was an underground affair; 189 metres underground to be exact. Four examples of the new compact SUV were lowered into the Winsford Salt Mines underneath Cheshire for a drive on the broken terrain of a tunnel network that stretches over 130 miles.

Mercedes described the stunt as taking the GLA as far off the beaten track as possible in order to show off its raised suspension and 4Matic all-wheel drive system. It chose the largest rock salt mine in the UK, which dates back to the 19th century and extends three miles east to west by nearly two miles north to south. Many of the tunnels are unlit too, giving Mercedes a chance to show off its Intelligent Lighting System (ILS).

Prices start at £25,080 for the GLA 200 CDI. A video of the GLA in the mines has been produced and can be viewed here:

Anything else?

The Winsford Salt Mine, which is operated by Salt Union, provides rock salt for winter road gritting. Some of the 23 million cubic metres of empty space left by the mining is now used as document storage by the National Archives. One thing Mercedes hasn't said is how it got the cars out again!