The GLA-Class is Mercedes-Benz's attempt to tap into the increasing demand for compact crossovers.
While it may bear strong resemblance to the A-Class, which it is based on, the GLA has a style of its own that is chunkier and yet, somehow, feels just the right size for small families and city dwellers.
Now, if you are not looking for the range-topping GLA 45 AMG when it arrives at the end of the year, but after something sportier than the base GLA200, the GLA250 could just be the perfect choice for you.
Up close and Personal
A head-turner from many angles, Mercedes-Benz's stylists have delivered a compact SUV that's big on dynamic looks without coming across as arrogant.
For starters, the GLA looks smart, ditching the traditional boxy body styling of conventional SUVs for more of a high-riding hatchback stance.
The GLA comes with some rugged touches as standard, such as the plastic body cladding and flared wheel arches. So for a little more visual aggression, you can opt for the AMG Line version of the GLA, just like the GLA250 here, which gets a sportier bodykit.
Inside the car, just like the A-Class and the CLA-Class, the cabin is a standout, with its solid fit, finish and quality.
Space at the back is good too, highlighting the family-friendly dimensions of the GLA. More importantly, there will not be a problem with your barang barang with a large cargo space of 421 litres as well as a low loading sill and an electric tailgate for greater convenience.
The Drive
Under the hood of the GLA250 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged lump producing 211bhp and 350Nm of torque. The engine is a lot punchier than the 1.6-litre unit in the GLA200. Coupled with a silky smooth seven-speed automatic transmission, you get a response that has some verve.
Compared with the GLA200, the GLA250 serves up a more delectable throttle response. Pushing pedal to the metal, the GLA250 will hit the 100km/h mark in 7.1 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than the GLA200.
One of the most likeable characteristics of the GLA is the way it rides. There was a relaxing level of comfort even though our test car was specified with the Dynamic Handling Package that includes a 15mm lower sports suspension.
You don't seem to pay any penalty for this comfort, either, because the GLA stays really planted in corners with none of that 'bending on stilts' response you sometimes find in other SUVs.
Under the hood of the GLA250 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged lump producing 211bhp and 350Nm of torque. The engine is a lot punchier than the 1.6-litre unit in the GLA200. Coupled with a silky smooth seven-speed automatic transmission, you get a response that has some verve.
Compared with the GLA200, the GLA250 serves up a more delectable throttle response. Pushing pedal to the metal, the GLA250 will hit the 100km/h mark in 7.1 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than the GLA200.
One of the most likeable characteristics of the GLA is the way it rides. There was a relaxing level of comfort even though our test car was specified with the Dynamic Handling Package that includes a 15mm lower sports suspension.
You don't seem to pay any penalty for this comfort, either, because the GLA stays really planted in corners with none of that 'bending on stilts' response you sometimes find in other SUVs.
This dynamism is assisted by the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which quickly calculates where traction is most needed and can send up to 50 percent of drive to the rear axle in the blink of an eye.
Some basic off-road ability with hill descent control is included in the 4MATIC's scope, too, even though it may seem like a silly idea for a driver to bring such a handsome vehicle off-road.
Meanwhile, the steering in the GLA is direct enough around the straight-ahead, and nicely weighted, though some extra feedback would have been great.
Conclusion
As a halfway house between a hatchback and a compact SUV, the GLA-Class is one car that has been successfully pulled by Mercedes-Benz.
The compact SUV combines a hatchback's low-slung looks with improved ride comfort, a bigger boot and some basic off-road ability. And at $205,888 (as of 25th Jul 2014), the GLA250 is indeed an interesting proposition.
