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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA200 (A) First Drive Review
22 Apr 2013|59,266 views
Extremity, it seems, is part of Mercedes-Benz's recent offerings.
Mercedes-Benz has been working on attracting newer and younger buyers with its recently launched A-Class.
Now, although not launched in Singapore yet, with the newer and nicer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class that you see here, the brand bearing the three-pointed-star badge continues the quest to lure these buyers.
Unveiled as the Concept Style Coupe (CSC) at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, the CLA is the third model to be based on the MFA platform
Where the CLS is based on the E-Class sedan, the CLA shares a modular platform with the recently launched A-Class and the second generation B-Class that's called the MFA.
Exterior
'Young' and 'rebellious' may be ironic terms for a brand that's perceived to have a customer base that's rather old. But CLA, like the A-Class, has a visual dynamism that should target this new set of audience perfectly.
To put it in a simpler metaphorical description, the CLA is tailored out of a very different kind of cloth. It's almost like an A-Class, but in a classier, slimmer and swankier cut. There are still some similar design cues with the A-Class like the grille, chin spoiler and large air intakes that sit prominently in front.
Mercedes-Benz has been working on attracting newer and younger buyers with its recently launched A-Class.
Now, although not launched in Singapore yet, with the newer and nicer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class that you see here, the brand bearing the three-pointed-star badge continues the quest to lure these buyers.
Where the CLS is based on the E-Class sedan, the CLA shares a modular platform with the recently launched A-Class and the second generation B-Class that's called the MFA.
Exterior
'Young' and 'rebellious' may be ironic terms for a brand that's perceived to have a customer base that's rather old. But CLA, like the A-Class, has a visual dynamism that should target this new set of audience perfectly.
To put it in a simpler metaphorical description, the CLA is tailored out of a very different kind of cloth. It's almost like an A-Class, but in a classier, slimmer and swankier cut. There are still some similar design cues with the A-Class like the grille, chin spoiler and large air intakes that sit prominently in front.
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Clean and bold lines are evidently sculpted on the side of the baby CLS which lead right through to the rear, where they meet the pair of curvy taillights. It makes the car's immediate impressions very promising, perhaps even more so than the A-Class - although many reckon the CLA is essentially the sedan equivalent of the Merc hatchback.
At 4,630mm x 1,777mm x 1,436mm (L x W x H), the four-door coupe sits low and is wider than the A-Class, accentuating is sporty character when it’s at a standstill.
While aggression is a word that's commonly used to describe sporty cars, it can be rather unwarranted. But with the CLA, it isn't the case. Seeing it live in the metal makes your eyes dilate and your heart pump faster. It's a thing of a beauty.
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Interior
On the inside, the story is even more successful. The layout displays a sense of class and taste, thanks to the clean and tidy centre console that houses buttons and slick gauges.
Like the new A-Class, a trio of circular air vents in the centre dominate the dashboard of the CLA
Space has also been created on the centre console where the infotainment knob is situated because similarly to other recent Mercedes-Benz's model, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column.
Soft touch plastics and leather upholstery abound the cabin while control knobs and buttons are within reach from the driver's seat. It does, overall, provide a premium look and a secured feel - factors that will undoubtedly draw new buyers. And if it's not enough, the sophisticated rather than sporty benches will.
On the inside, the story is even more successful. The layout displays a sense of class and taste, thanks to the clean and tidy centre console that houses buttons and slick gauges.
Space has also been created on the centre console where the infotainment knob is situated because similarly to other recent Mercedes-Benz's model, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column.
Soft touch plastics and leather upholstery abound the cabin while control knobs and buttons are within reach from the driver's seat. It does, overall, provide a premium look and a secured feel - factors that will undoubtedly draw new buyers. And if it's not enough, the sophisticated rather than sporty benches will.
In fact, we much prefer these black sports seats with contrasting white stitching to the Edition 1 package that came with our CLA250 test car.
Space wise, this eye candy of a car offers seating for up to five adults, although we reckon having two at the back will be a more comfortable choice.
Taller rear occupants may experience a lack of headroom due to the sloping roofline. But with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, rear passengers will have nothing to complain about legroom.
With 470 litres of boot capacity - more than 130 litres over the A-Class - the CLA will fit a couple of golf bags with ease
Space wise, this eye candy of a car offers seating for up to five adults, although we reckon having two at the back will be a more comfortable choice.
Taller rear occupants may experience a lack of headroom due to the sloping roofline. But with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, rear passengers will have nothing to complain about legroom.
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Drivetrain
Of the different variants, it will come as no surprise that the A200 will be a popular and, not to mention, satisfying choice amongst buyers. Running a smaller petrol engine of 1.6-litre compared to the CLA250's 2.0-litre, the CLA200 is going to be enough for your daily needs in Singapore.
The 1.6-litre four-pot engine gives the CLA200 sufficient power and torque to reach the century mark in 8.5 seconds
All 156 horses is readily available at the calling of your right foot as you open the throttle and see the CLA pass vehicles which are already in high speed.
More significantly, never you mind that the century sprint is two seconds slower than the CLA250 or less than half a second slower than the A-Class, few cars can cut through the air so cleanly and efficiently.
The sharp angled CLA is one of the lowest of any production car to boast an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.23 (it's even lower for the CLA180).
The seats will keep you in place when you decide to pilot the stylish coupe with gusto
Of the different variants, it will come as no surprise that the A200 will be a popular and, not to mention, satisfying choice amongst buyers. Running a smaller petrol engine of 1.6-litre compared to the CLA250's 2.0-litre, the CLA200 is going to be enough for your daily needs in Singapore.
All 156 horses is readily available at the calling of your right foot as you open the throttle and see the CLA pass vehicles which are already in high speed.
More significantly, never you mind that the century sprint is two seconds slower than the CLA250 or less than half a second slower than the A-Class, few cars can cut through the air so cleanly and efficiently.
The sharp angled CLA is one of the lowest of any production car to boast an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.23 (it's even lower for the CLA180).
Keeping the revs low is not a huge challenge as the four-pot engine produces 250Nm of torque from just 1,250rpm. And that's more important than power in most modern driving situations because it allows you to make quick lane changes and to fill gaps on our pack roads with ease and confidence.
At high speeds, the car feels very confident and composed, even when it feels a tad big behind the wheel on the narrow roads of France. But when the opportunity arises and the roads are wider and clear, the CLA is in a far better position to exploit its sporty character.
The car steers with certainty from corner to corner with a tinge of understeer when pushed hard. And its sports suspension - while a bit too soft for enthusiastic driving - holds its own pretty well whenever you go over bumps and ruts, making it the perfect car to have for your day-to-day driving.
While the steering is well weighted, it could do with more feedback - especially around bends
Conclusion
The CLA200 may not be the sportiest of the lineup but it is a cooler, refreshing and more evocative than something as dull as a hatchback. For badge buyers, it is instantly recognisable as a bloodline of Mercedes-Benz and you can well imagine a BMW or Audi owners trading up to one to fulfil life's challenging tasks.
Even though we would have liked it more if the CLA was a rear-wheel driven machine, buyers will be hard put to complain. And if they do, perhaps the wait for the CLA 45 AMG will be well worth.
At high speeds, the car feels very confident and composed, even when it feels a tad big behind the wheel on the narrow roads of France. But when the opportunity arises and the roads are wider and clear, the CLA is in a far better position to exploit its sporty character.
The car steers with certainty from corner to corner with a tinge of understeer when pushed hard. And its sports suspension - while a bit too soft for enthusiastic driving - holds its own pretty well whenever you go over bumps and ruts, making it the perfect car to have for your day-to-day driving.
Conclusion
The CLA200 may not be the sportiest of the lineup but it is a cooler, refreshing and more evocative than something as dull as a hatchback. For badge buyers, it is instantly recognisable as a bloodline of Mercedes-Benz and you can well imagine a BMW or Audi owners trading up to one to fulfil life's challenging tasks.
Even though we would have liked it more if the CLA was a rear-wheel driven machine, buyers will be hard put to complain. And if they do, perhaps the wait for the CLA 45 AMG will be well worth.
Extremity, it seems, is part of Mercedes-Benz's recent offerings.
Mercedes-Benz has been working on attracting newer and younger buyers with its recently launched A-Class.
Now, although not launched in Singapore yet, with the newer and nicer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class that you see here, the brand bearing the three-pointed-star badge continues the quest to lure these buyers.
Where the CLS is based on the E-Class sedan, the CLA shares a modular platform with the recently launched A-Class and the second generation B-Class that's called the MFA.
Exterior
'Young' and 'rebellious' may be ironic terms for a brand that's perceived to have a customer base that's rather old. But CLA, like the A-Class, has a visual dynamism that should target this new set of audience perfectly.
To put it in a simpler metaphorical description, the CLA is tailored out of a very different kind of cloth. It's almost like an A-Class, but in a classier, slimmer and swankier cut. There are still some similar design cues with the A-Class like the grille, chin spoiler and large air intakes that sit prominently in front.
Mercedes-Benz has been working on attracting newer and younger buyers with its recently launched A-Class.
Now, although not launched in Singapore yet, with the newer and nicer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class that you see here, the brand bearing the three-pointed-star badge continues the quest to lure these buyers.
Where the CLS is based on the E-Class sedan, the CLA shares a modular platform with the recently launched A-Class and the second generation B-Class that's called the MFA.
Exterior
'Young' and 'rebellious' may be ironic terms for a brand that's perceived to have a customer base that's rather old. But CLA, like the A-Class, has a visual dynamism that should target this new set of audience perfectly.
To put it in a simpler metaphorical description, the CLA is tailored out of a very different kind of cloth. It's almost like an A-Class, but in a classier, slimmer and swankier cut. There are still some similar design cues with the A-Class like the grille, chin spoiler and large air intakes that sit prominently in front.
Clean and bold lines are evidently sculpted on the side of the baby CLS which lead right through to the rear, where they meet the pair of curvy taillights. It makes the car's immediate impressions very promising, perhaps even more so than the A-Class - although many reckon the CLA is essentially the sedan equivalent of the Merc hatchback.
At 4,630mm x 1,777mm x 1,436mm (L x W x H), the four-door coupe sits low and is wider than the A-Class, accentuating is sporty character when it’s at a standstill.
While aggression is a word that's commonly used to describe sporty cars, it can be rather unwarranted. But with the CLA, it isn't the case. Seeing it live in the metal makes your eyes dilate and your heart pump faster. It's a thing of a beauty.
At 4,630mm x 1,777mm x 1,436mm (L x W x H), the four-door coupe sits low and is wider than the A-Class, accentuating is sporty character when it’s at a standstill.
While aggression is a word that's commonly used to describe sporty cars, it can be rather unwarranted. But with the CLA, it isn't the case. Seeing it live in the metal makes your eyes dilate and your heart pump faster. It's a thing of a beauty.
Interior
On the inside, the story is even more successful. The layout displays a sense of class and taste, thanks to the clean and tidy centre console that houses buttons and slick gauges.
Space has also been created on the centre console where the infotainment knob is situated because similarly to other recent Mercedes-Benz's model, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column.
Soft touch plastics and leather upholstery abound the cabin while control knobs and buttons are within reach from the driver's seat. It does, overall, provide a premium look and a secured feel - factors that will undoubtedly draw new buyers. And if it's not enough, the sophisticated rather than sporty benches will.
On the inside, the story is even more successful. The layout displays a sense of class and taste, thanks to the clean and tidy centre console that houses buttons and slick gauges.
Space has also been created on the centre console where the infotainment knob is situated because similarly to other recent Mercedes-Benz's model, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column.
Soft touch plastics and leather upholstery abound the cabin while control knobs and buttons are within reach from the driver's seat. It does, overall, provide a premium look and a secured feel - factors that will undoubtedly draw new buyers. And if it's not enough, the sophisticated rather than sporty benches will.
In fact, we much prefer these black sports seats with contrasting white stitching to the Edition 1 package that came with our CLA250 test car.
Space wise, this eye candy of a car offers seating for up to five adults, although we reckon having two at the back will be a more comfortable choice.
Taller rear occupants may experience a lack of headroom due to the sloping roofline. But with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, rear passengers will have nothing to complain about legroom.
Space wise, this eye candy of a car offers seating for up to five adults, although we reckon having two at the back will be a more comfortable choice.
Taller rear occupants may experience a lack of headroom due to the sloping roofline. But with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, rear passengers will have nothing to complain about legroom.
Drivetrain
Of the different variants, it will come as no surprise that the A200 will be a popular and, not to mention, satisfying choice amongst buyers. Running a smaller petrol engine of 1.6-litre compared to the CLA250's 2.0-litre, the CLA200 is going to be enough for your daily needs in Singapore.
All 156 horses is readily available at the calling of your right foot as you open the throttle and see the CLA pass vehicles which are already in high speed.
More significantly, never you mind that the century sprint is two seconds slower than the CLA250 or less than half a second slower than the A-Class, few cars can cut through the air so cleanly and efficiently.
The sharp angled CLA is one of the lowest of any production car to boast an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.23 (it's even lower for the CLA180).
Of the different variants, it will come as no surprise that the A200 will be a popular and, not to mention, satisfying choice amongst buyers. Running a smaller petrol engine of 1.6-litre compared to the CLA250's 2.0-litre, the CLA200 is going to be enough for your daily needs in Singapore.
All 156 horses is readily available at the calling of your right foot as you open the throttle and see the CLA pass vehicles which are already in high speed.
More significantly, never you mind that the century sprint is two seconds slower than the CLA250 or less than half a second slower than the A-Class, few cars can cut through the air so cleanly and efficiently.
The sharp angled CLA is one of the lowest of any production car to boast an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.23 (it's even lower for the CLA180).
Keeping the revs low is not a huge challenge as the four-pot engine produces 250Nm of torque from just 1,250rpm. And that's more important than power in most modern driving situations because it allows you to make quick lane changes and to fill gaps on our pack roads with ease and confidence.
At high speeds, the car feels very confident and composed, even when it feels a tad big behind the wheel on the narrow roads of France. But when the opportunity arises and the roads are wider and clear, the CLA is in a far better position to exploit its sporty character.
The car steers with certainty from corner to corner with a tinge of understeer when pushed hard. And its sports suspension - while a bit too soft for enthusiastic driving - holds its own pretty well whenever you go over bumps and ruts, making it the perfect car to have for your day-to-day driving.
Conclusion
The CLA200 may not be the sportiest of the lineup but it is a cooler, refreshing and more evocative than something as dull as a hatchback. For badge buyers, it is instantly recognisable as a bloodline of Mercedes-Benz and you can well imagine a BMW or Audi owners trading up to one to fulfil life's challenging tasks.
Even though we would have liked it more if the CLA was a rear-wheel driven machine, buyers will be hard put to complain. And if they do, perhaps the wait for the CLA 45 AMG will be well worth.
At high speeds, the car feels very confident and composed, even when it feels a tad big behind the wheel on the narrow roads of France. But when the opportunity arises and the roads are wider and clear, the CLA is in a far better position to exploit its sporty character.
The car steers with certainty from corner to corner with a tinge of understeer when pushed hard. And its sports suspension - while a bit too soft for enthusiastic driving - holds its own pretty well whenever you go over bumps and ruts, making it the perfect car to have for your day-to-day driving.
Conclusion
The CLA200 may not be the sportiest of the lineup but it is a cooler, refreshing and more evocative than something as dull as a hatchback. For badge buyers, it is instantly recognisable as a bloodline of Mercedes-Benz and you can well imagine a BMW or Audi owners trading up to one to fulfil life's challenging tasks.
Even though we would have liked it more if the CLA was a rear-wheel driven machine, buyers will be hard put to complain. And if they do, perhaps the wait for the CLA 45 AMG will be well worth.
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