It is getting more difficult to draw the line between a hatchback and a crossover. The Subaru XV and the Volvo V40 Cross Country are good examples.
Essentially an Impreza hatchback and a V40 respectively with taller suspension, these crossovers share components with their hatchback brethren, and yet they are defined by different model names and can even be reported in a different category.
Built to compete in a segment that is very much the talk of the town in recent years, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class arrives a little late to the compact crossover party that includes cars like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.
Originally unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show as a concept, the GLA was officially unwrapped at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show before being formally introduced at its international launch in Granada, Spain, in February this year.
Exterior
At first glance, the GLA appears to be the A-Class - on stilts. That comes as no surprise considering the fact that the car shares the A-Class' compact platform - the Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform - which also underpins the B-Class and the CLA-Class.
Measuring 4,417mm x 1,804mm x 1,494mm (L x W x H), the GLA is only 125mm longer, 24mm wider and 61mm taller than the A-Class, so parking is free from the usual SUV anxieties.
The latest interpretation of Mercedes-Benz's global design on most of its models is seen on the front fascia of the GLA - the large grille and three-pointed star, a sculpted bonnet and swept-back headlights with LED illumination.
Strong, sleek lines flow along the sides, complementing the toothed side skirt, giving rise to a rugged feel that is befitting of its SUV outlook.
The rear is punctuated by beautifully curved rear glass, a sporty under-bumper diffuser and large, modern taillights that help to give the car a very purposeful appearance.
Interior
This is where you will appreciate the difference between the GLA and its rivals.
The interior of the Mercedes remains stylish and well-made and feels a cut above the cabins of many other compact crossovers.
There are noticeable hints from the A-Class and the CLA-Class inside here and of course, there are some subtle differences in the trimmings but for the most part, the dash, instrumentation and centre console are the same.
This is where you will appreciate the difference between the GLA and its rivals.
The interior of the Mercedes remains stylish and well-made and feels a cut above the cabins of many other compact crossovers.
There are noticeable hints from the A-Class and the CLA-Class inside here and of course, there are some subtle differences in the trimmings but for the most part, the dash, instrumentation and centre console are the same.
Inside the cosy cockpit, the GLA feels more like a hatch than an SUV, with a tapered roofline and narrow fields of view through the front and back windscreens.
But you sit higher in the GLA - 40mm higher than the A-Class to be exact - providing a marginally better view of the road ahead without having the sense that you're piloting an oversized car.
The other quality the GLA has over the A-Class is space. It's not only slightly higher, but is also longer than the smallest Merc, so rear passengers will be happier with the extra legroom. There's also a generous 421-litre boot, which is 80 litres more than the A-Class'.
The Drive
The GLA200 that you see here is the base variant. Powering it is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that pushes out 156bhp and 250Nm of torque.
This power unit is paired with the seven-speed 7G-DCT transmission, which delivers smooth gearshifts, whether in automatic or manual mode.
While it feels rather lethargic at lower speeds, it seamlessly flies through gears as speed increases, favouring higher ratios in the car's standard 'E' drive mode. In the sportier 'S' mode, it becomes more responsive and holds lower gears and higher revs.
The problem lies with the rather unresponsive throttle. It seemed like the throttle needed some extra time in processing the pressure applied on it before sending the message over to the engine. But if you could put that aside, the GLA aces when it comes to driving around town.
While there may be a slight trade-off in terms of handling compared to the lower, firmer and lighter A-Class, the GLA is a more comfortable car to travel in, thanks to an extra 50mm ride height, fatter tyres and softer suspension.
The GLA200 that you see here is the base variant. Powering it is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that pushes out 156bhp and 250Nm of torque.
This power unit is paired with the seven-speed 7G-DCT transmission, which delivers smooth gearshifts, whether in automatic or manual mode.
While it feels rather lethargic at lower speeds, it seamlessly flies through gears as speed increases, favouring higher ratios in the car's standard 'E' drive mode. In the sportier 'S' mode, it becomes more responsive and holds lower gears and higher revs.
The problem lies with the rather unresponsive throttle. It seemed like the throttle needed some extra time in processing the pressure applied on it before sending the message over to the engine. But if you could put that aside, the GLA aces when it comes to driving around town.
While there may be a slight trade-off in terms of handling compared to the lower, firmer and lighter A-Class, the GLA is a more comfortable car to travel in, thanks to an extra 50mm ride height, fatter tyres and softer suspension.
That's not to say the GLA doesn't handle well. Given its family hatchback underpinnings, it's no surprise to find the GLA maintains a safe and predictable handling balance.
And although the steering may fall a little short of feedback, it is appropriately weighted, guiding you in tucking the GLA's nose accurately through a set of corners.
Unlike some compact crossovers, we detected minimal lean in the bends and the GLA has some decent front end grip. It may not encourage you to breach the limits, but the car does give you confidence if you decide to hustle it.
Conclusion
Being late doesn't mean Mercedes-Benz can't make its presence known in the compact crossover segment. Certainly, there is a lot of appeal in the GLA's whole SUV look and the greater practicality of its larger boot.
Nitpicking on driveability issues aside, the GLA, at $186,888 (as of 23rd June 2014) should appeal to both badge enthusiasts and those seeking a compact SUV packed with features at the lower end of the premium market.
