Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (Parallel Imported)

The 2.0L Turbocharged engine is certainly no slouch, the engine paired up with the 8G DCT give a quick and instant acceleration when one steps on the pedal. This gen GLA is also bigger and has more rear leg/head room as compared to previous gen. Contrary to its A/CLA siblings, the AMG variant for GLA (& GLB) spots an AMG Panamericana grille on the front which looks great and sportier looking. The MBUX system is also really good and has a lot of personalisation available.

Features wise it's ok with active brake assist and blind spot monitor/rear cross traffic alert etc. However, at this price point I would have hope C&C brings in the vehicle with 360 degree camera, HUD, Multibeam LED & ventilated seats as well. Seats are comfortable with good grip. Ambient lighting with 64 colours to choose from for the interior is also quite cool especially at night. AMG steering wheel is nice and sporty.

Besides the quick acceleration, GLA 35 is also able to corner well and holding itself firmly onto the road in any condition thanks to its 4matic AWD system. The ride would be harder and harder when it is in Sports/Sport + mode but that's to be expected. Comfort mode for daily driving would be the one to go unless you occasionally want to experience a sportier drive.

What I like:

- The power train, 8G AMG Speedshift DCT

- Quick acceleration, no lack of power

- AMG Panamericana grille looks menacing

- Different drive modes for different experiences

- Quite spacious for a crossover

- Safety features like active brake assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, attention assist. Lots of parking sensors surrounding the car as well which is helpful.

What I dislike:

- No 360 degree camera, HUD, Multibeam LED & Ventilated seats (I would rather they pluck out the Auto Parking feature and include one of the above features)

- Driving Assistance Package not available even as an option

- Suspension is on a firmer side but it's a given since it is an AMG model

The entry model into Mercedes' SUV/crossover range has big shoes to fill, woo younger customers first and then cementing them into the brand's other, larger models at a later date. This is has this goal all wrapped up?

You want this because there's a pretty badge up front, and its the junior of the Mercedes SUV/crossover range.

When for GLA200 cause not too big and small just nice on sg road and carparks.Easy to manoeuvre. Pick-up overtaking accelerate from stop is quick on a just 1.3 engine.

When to test drive A200, GLA200 and GLB200.(All using same engine)…..Sum it all if you *wnt speed pick up excelerates fast BUT less spacious small boot choose A200 …*wnt spacious big boot BUT okok speed pick up excelerates choose GLB…I pick GLA200 which fall in between the two and am a happy owner driving it for 1.5 yrs : )

The old GLA was popular here in Singapore and this new car really ought to be no different. It now has a more differentiated exterior than the A-Class, and the interior has also been radically updated.

The first GLA really looks like Mercedes simply took the A Class, give it taller suspension and called it a day. This new GLA looks very different from the normal A Class, this is how it should be! It is clearly a larger car now, which makes it more practical as a crossover.

I really like Mercedes cars for their flashy interior design. Not only does it look fashionable with plenty of silver trimmings, it also has adjustable ambient lighting to really spice it up. The large screens is also something that I think should be in all modern cars, they simply look so good.

The GLA that I tested was the GLA200, the engine is just 1.3l but still OKl, not too bad, will be better if bigger engine and more power though. Like many SUV and crossover, the GLA rides abit stiff, but not too bad until it gets uncomfortable to sit in.