Mercedes CLA, The Compact Saloon With Coupe Complex

In addition, the CLA is available as a Shooting Brake,  a station wagon version that maintains the sporty cut of the car from which it was derived. This version improves one of the most criticized points: the interior space and better access to the trunk,  and that is that the sedan’s loading mouth does not invite to introduce bulky objects.

Exterior design

As one of the most striking products of Mercedes, the Mercedes CLA makes use of a sporty and dynamic design, which after six years on the market still looks as current as the first day. The low front is dominated by the large grille with the brand’s emblem integrated into it, along with sharp LED headlights .

Seen in profile, the most striking thing is the curvature of the ceiling and the little visible glass area. As a good car with coupe tints worth its salt,  it dispenses with the window frames. As for the rear, it is the highest point of the car, with a nice simulated diffuser and a small spoiler integrated into the boot lid.

Cabin

Seen from the inside, you might think you are in another car. The few differences between the A-Class and the CLA come down to less headroom in the aforementioned saloon, due to the anticipated roof drop.

As for the similarities, there is the 8-inch screen on the dashboard, the moldings in different materials and the aviation-style vents. On the boot, the 470-liter capacity of the saloon is surprising due to its size, a figure that increases by 25 liters in the case of the Shooting Brake.

Mechanics

The mechanical range has been slightly reduced after the update suffered in 2016. The smallest diesel engine, the 180d that is also mounted on the A-Class and B-Class is no longer available, starting the range with the 136 hp 200d.

Regarding gasoline, the three levels of until now are maintained, that is, the 180, 200 and 250 Sport, the latter as the only version compatible with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and 218 hp. In terms of transmissions, a 6-speed manual and a 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic are available .

The difference in price between the two bodies available is between 600-650 euros extra that must be added to the invoice in the case of the Shooting Brake. Be that as it may, it is a model very given to promotions, which is why it is commonly available for several thousand euros less.

Prices

The CLA range has a starting price of € 30,000 for the smaller petrol version. From 32,500 euros you can get the next level, the 156 hp CLA 200. Finally and somewhat exorbitant is the 250 Sport, available from 54,000 euros. Before this, it is more advisable to access the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 . 

Going on to talk about the diesel options, the most accessible version has a starting price of 35 150 euros. In conclusion, the range is completed with the 220d, on sale from 40,425 euros.

Mercedes CLA data

• 4 and 5 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 470 liters (Coupé) and 495 liters (Shooting Brake)
• 4-cylinder engines with powers from 122 hp to 218 hp
• 6-speed manual gearbox or 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic gearbox

• 4MATIC front or all-wheel drive
• Consumption and emissions: From 4.0 l / 100 km and 104 g / km of CO2
• Price: from 30,000 euros