Looking around at the vast range of cars on offer these days, it’s easy to think that virtually every possible niche has been filled. But don’t be surprised at the constant innovation that a highly competitive marketplace can inspire, and Mercedes -Benz have recently proved this with the launch of the all-new CLA-Class.
This is an entry level, luxury 4-door coupe, which really combines some of the best of what the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range has to offer. It is based on the compact A-Class platform, but is actually slightly longer than the C-Class bumper to bumper, with similar space inside. In terms of external styling it clearly exudes a strong CLS influence, while on the inside there is a definite SLK sporty feel to the instrumentation and dash. It is also unashamedly similar to the dramatic CSC concept car, which we first saw in 2012.
In launching the CLA, Mercedes-Benz is clearly targeting a more youthful audience, offering sporty looks and performance, together with the prestige of the brand, but at a more affordable price. Entry level vehicles have a history of being risky for luxury brands, but buyers can be assured that this car is in every way true to the quality that the 3-pointed star on its grille represents.
The bold styling of the CLA is immediately apparent, no matter which angle you choose to approach from. At the front, the Mercedes-Benz star sits in the centre of a single chrome louvre, surrounded by the eye-catching geometric diamond-block grille. The large front air intakes appear below sleek LED light clusters, all topped off with a very sculptured bonnet.
The side profile is equally impressive with the raked windshield and roof line accentuated by two dramatic sweeping crease lines angling up and down toward the rear wheel arch. The all-glass B-pillar adds a touch of elegance.
At the rear, the smooth flowing lines of the LED tail lights blend artistically with the boot lid, while a subtle spoiler, vertical air vents and chrome dual exhausts give it a very sporty feel.
All this styling is not just for aesthetics either. Mercedes-Benz claims a coefficient drag of just 0.23 for the CLA, making it the most aerodynamic production car in the world.
Underneath its good looks lies a gutsy 2.0-litre direct injection, turbocharged 4-cyclinder engine with output of 208hp, in the CLA250. The CLA200 comes with a smaller 1.6-litre version of the same engine, and an AMG model is on the way. Both engines get paired with Mercedes-Benz’ 7G-DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with a console mounted shift lever and paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manual control. The CLA250 delivers 350Nm of torque allowing 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Unlike many other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA comes as a front wheel drive, although a 4MATIC AWD will also be available. With all that torque going to the front axle, one might be concerned about torque steer, however the variable-ratio electric steering does a good job of controlling this while still offering a weighty, responsive drive feel.
A whole range of standard Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY concepts also make for a very eco-friendly drive. The combination of aerodynamics, transmission and direct injection engines, together with ECO start/stop function, means excellent fuel consumption of just 5.0 litres/100km.
If the exterior of the car is designed to catch the eye of a younger market, the interior is designed to win them over once and for all. The cockpit borrows liberally from the sportier cars in the Mercedes-Benz stable, with cut-tube gauges, circular cross-hatch air vents and attractively crafted sport bucket seats. The dash is defined by a wide band of faux brushed aluminium, walnut or ash, with the infotainment screen perched in the middle, and of course all the materials and finish are very tight and trim.
While this is an entry level luxury car, it is still packed with a wide range of driver assist, safety and tech options that you can find across the entire Mercedes-Benz range. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, 60/40-split folding rear seats, 8-way power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5.8-inch central LCD display with COMAND interface. Our test drive model included a rear camera and parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, as well as the Light and Sight package with ambient lighting and illuminated door sills.
Upgrade Sport, Premium and infotainment packages offer many more options including AMG-style 18-inch wheels, leather seats, a 10GB music drive, and DriveStyle so you can access Facebook and Twitter using voice commands.
Safety is always a stellar feature of any Mercedes-Benz car and the CLA is no exception, featuring a host of high tech measures under the brand’s Intelligent Drive umbrella, such as Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist and Adaptive Brake Assist – all as standard. Other systems including Lane-Keeping assist, which warns if you are straying out of your lane, and Distronic Plus which automatically maintains a pre-set distance from the car in front, are optional add-ons.
Mercedes-Benz has expanded its range significantly over the past decade, and the new CLA is a fine new addition. Be impressed by its styling, quality and tech options, but don’t try to think too much about defining it or putting it in a box. Just get in and enjoy the drive.
Zung Fu Motors (Macau)
Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen,
No 252-266
Edificio Chun U Villa,
R/C, Loja A B C
Taipa, MACAU
Phone: 28831283
Fax: 28831799