Previewed by the 2012 Concept Style Coupe at various international locations, the CLA-Class was formally introduced to the world early this year at the North American International Auto Show before making its international launch in St. Tropez, France, in April this year.
Based on the same modular front-wheel drive (MFA) platform as the A-Class and the B-Class, the CLA200 kicks things off for Mercedes-Benz and continues its quest to lure the same funky, bold and rebellious audience as the A-Class.
Exterior
You would be forgiven for mistaking the CLA for something else altogether.
Drawing inspiration from the bigger CLS, the CLA is essentially a downsized four-door coupe that cuts the same sleek sloping roofline. Along with its bold attitude, the car here shares similar chiselled lines as the CLS, too, but with a less subtle face to make it more extroverted.
While dealers have a tendency to exaggerate how sporty and aggressive their cars appear to be, it's quite warranted here. Banging on an emotional rather than the traditional rational appeal, Mercedes-Benz has distinctively created something like none other cars we've seen before.
Based on the same modular front-wheel drive (MFA) platform as the A-Class and the B-Class, the CLA200 kicks things off for Mercedes-Benz and continues its quest to lure the same funky, bold and rebellious audience as the A-Class.
Exterior
You would be forgiven for mistaking the CLA for something else altogether.
Drawing inspiration from the bigger CLS, the CLA is essentially a downsized four-door coupe that cuts the same sleek sloping roofline. Along with its bold attitude, the car here shares similar chiselled lines as the CLS, too, but with a less subtle face to make it more extroverted.
While dealers have a tendency to exaggerate how sporty and aggressive their cars appear to be, it's quite warranted here. Banging on an emotional rather than the traditional rational appeal, Mercedes-Benz has distinctively created something like none other cars we've seen before.
At 4,630mm long, 1,777mm wide and 1,432mm tall, the CLA sits low, with a rather shapely nose that resembles the SLS AMG supercar. And when fitted with the optional AMG Line (as our test car here), the scaled down four-door coupe features deeper front air intakes, an aggressive yet pretty diamond radiator and 18-inch wheels that will give the CLA a look that's rather sensational.
Round the back, the CLA is cut very differently too. Rear taillights are oriented horizontally, which emphasises well on the car's breadth without coming off as trying too hard.
We guess the point of creating a car that sports a quasi-coupe silhouette like the CLA, perhaps, is to allow Mercedes-Benz to give another car (other than the CLS) a story that manages to integrate something timeless and original. In more ways than one, it's rather cool because the car resists easy categorisations of different car genres.
Round the back, the CLA is cut very differently too. Rear taillights are oriented horizontally, which emphasises well on the car's breadth without coming off as trying too hard.
We guess the point of creating a car that sports a quasi-coupe silhouette like the CLA, perhaps, is to allow Mercedes-Benz to give another car (other than the CLS) a story that manages to integrate something timeless and original. In more ways than one, it's rather cool because the car resists easy categorisations of different car genres.
Interior
More often than not, when the exterior is this good-looking, it can be a tad tough for the interior to match up. But for the CLA, it's an exception. It's good to see that Mercedes is on good form here. Materials used are of quality, with solid fit and finish that's expected of the brand bearing the three-pointed star.
Moreover, the layout of the dashboard is similar to the A-Class, with round air-con vents punctuating the dash and an LCD screen set in the middle. As a result, it, too, has a young and fresh vibe that will no doubt attract Merc's intended audience.
Speaking of the A-Class, measuring 340mm longer than the hatchback, the CLA200 offers a more practical boot of 470 litres - more than 130 litres over the A-Class. Where it suffers, though, is the rear headroom.
More often than not, when the exterior is this good-looking, it can be a tad tough for the interior to match up. But for the CLA, it's an exception. It's good to see that Mercedes is on good form here. Materials used are of quality, with solid fit and finish that's expected of the brand bearing the three-pointed star.
Moreover, the layout of the dashboard is similar to the A-Class, with round air-con vents punctuating the dash and an LCD screen set in the middle. As a result, it, too, has a young and fresh vibe that will no doubt attract Merc's intended audience.
Speaking of the A-Class, measuring 340mm longer than the hatchback, the CLA200 offers a more practical boot of 470 litres - more than 130 litres over the A-Class. Where it suffers, though, is the rear headroom.
Made tricky by the plunging roofline, taller occupants will find themselves having a bit of a problem. But with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, rear passengers will have nothing to complain about legroom.
Then again, if you were to put things into a buyer's perspective, the lack of headroom would probably be the least of his priorities because chances are he would be more attracted to the way the car looks over what the car can offer in terms of practicality. Otherwise, he would have easily chosen another car from Merc's vast stable.
Then again, if you were to put things into a buyer's perspective, the lack of headroom would probably be the least of his priorities because chances are he would be more attracted to the way the car looks over what the car can offer in terms of practicality. Otherwise, he would have easily chosen another car from Merc's vast stable.
The Drive
While the overall performance of the CLA200 isn't startling, there is enough power and torque to complement the car. With 156bhp and 250Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre powerplant, it performs as well in city traffic as it does on the open highway.
Consistent throttle aside, the CLA200's 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission is a credible work of art as it does a civilised job in matching cogs to revs.
As such, the car will dash across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 8.5 seconds - almost a second faster than both the BMW 316i and the Volvo S60 T4. Credit also goes to the fact that the sharp angled CLA200 cuts cleanly through the air with a low drag coefficient of just 0.23.
More impressively, there is no hint of rattle in the cabin while wind and road noise is only perceptible well after the legal speed limit.
While the overall performance of the CLA200 isn't startling, there is enough power and torque to complement the car. With 156bhp and 250Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre powerplant, it performs as well in city traffic as it does on the open highway.
Consistent throttle aside, the CLA200's 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission is a credible work of art as it does a civilised job in matching cogs to revs.
As such, the car will dash across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 8.5 seconds - almost a second faster than both the BMW 316i and the Volvo S60 T4. Credit also goes to the fact that the sharp angled CLA200 cuts cleanly through the air with a low drag coefficient of just 0.23.
More impressively, there is no hint of rattle in the cabin while wind and road noise is only perceptible well after the legal speed limit.
Despite driven by the front wheels, the Merc proves to be poise and planted round corners. It's almost like the car is built for agility and manoeuvrability. With a tight and taut chassis, it feels at home carving sharp corners with confidence and ample grip. The only set back here is the lack of communication offered by the steering wheel.
Conclusion
While the CLA cannot compare to the BMW in terms of its driving dynamics, it wouldn't matter much. For many potential buyers, the fact that the car comes with a Hollywood A-list sheet metal will appeal a whole lot more.
In a market where looks and badge matters, this car has what it takes to be the next big thing.
Conclusion
While the CLA cannot compare to the BMW in terms of its driving dynamics, it wouldn't matter much. For many potential buyers, the fact that the car comes with a Hollywood A-list sheet metal will appeal a whole lot more.
In a market where looks and badge matters, this car has what it takes to be the next big thing.
