Mercedes-Benz launches the attractive CLA-Class

At the launch here in Munich, Germany, Mercedes-Benz promises that the all new CLA-Class will be sportier and more dynamically sound than its predecessor, thanks to a lower centre of gravity and low drag coefficient of 0.23. Of course, only a thorough test drive will be able to certify this.

As before, the car is based on the same MFA platform as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, albeit re-engineered. Thus, similar mechanical parts can be seen on the inside and, arguably, on the outside too.

That's to say the new CLA continues to sport stylish design cues, with modern-looking head and taillights and an elongated bonnet with power domes that resemble the A-Class. As a matter of fact, you could argue that it's a smaller and less expensive version of the sexy CLS-Class and that wouldn't be wrong at all.

That's certainly a good thing, we reckon. Seeing how the design of the CLS was considered a breakthrough with its four-door coupe theme and frameless windows, the CLA-Class that you see here is a proper example of the possibilities Mercedes-Benz has for its lineup.

Measuring 4,688mm long and 1,830mm wide, the new Merc is 48mm longer and over 50mm wider than its predecessor. This has led to a longer wheelbase of 2,729mm, which solves legroom issues of the past.

What Merc has also improved is its cabin. Tuned to focus on a high-tech theme to match its young and trendy target audience, the dashboard of the CLA features dual-touchscreens. One serves as a configurable instrument cluster while the other is a new touch-sensitive and gesture control-capable infotainment system that includes the 'Hey Mercedes' voice recognition function - similar to what the A-Class has.

Also similar to the A-Class hatchback is its engines. The CLA200 is equipped with a 1.3-litre four-pot engine that packs 161bhp and 250Nm of torque. This allows the car to finish the century sprint in 8.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 229km/h.

The CLA250, on the other hand, sports a 2.0-litre in-line four that's good for 221bhp and 350Nm of twisting force. Century sprint is thus completed in a quicker time of just 6.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250km/h.

Both engines are mated to a dual-clutch seven speed gearbox.

Several variants of the new four-door coupe will be available for our market - CLA180, CLA200, and an indent-only CLA250. An optional Edition One variant that you see here in black is also available. However, it's the CLA200 that will be the first variant to surf into our shores in the fourth quarter of this year.

Check out our review of the CLA200 right here!