Created of the A-Class platform, the CLA is a low, sleek coupe-like saloon. The model it replaces sold over 750 000 models which shows its popularity. Now in its second generation, the CLA faces some serious competition from the likes of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and even from its stablemates like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and C-Class.
The new CLA is longer, wider, and lower than the model it replaces and which it’s based on (The A-Class sedan). It has some beautiful design lines, though in Progressive trim some of those line feel a bit lost. Back in October last year we drove a CLA 200 on launch that had an AMG kit and finished in designo mountain grey MAGNO paint scheme which looked phenomenal and accentuated those lines pretty well. It looks good in standard trim, but to truly see its beauty its best to have it in the AMG trim, that’s just our opinion.
Styling
Inside
Inside its not as fancy as the A200 sedan we drove. To get it looking all blinged up it has to be optioned out which see’s it entering C-Class territory. Coming standard with MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, our test unit had to make do with a smaller instrument cluster which can be specced with a bigger 10.25-inch screen (R7900 option). We enjoyed the optional 10.25-inch touch display, its crisp and sharp. The optional sports seats are comfy and supportive. Rear headroom takes a bit of a knock due to its low roof line, its a sacrifice one has to make for style. Overall the interior looks of the CLA is solid just like the A-Class sedan.
The Drive
The CLA is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120kW and 250Nm of torque which you also find in the A200 Sedan. Power is sent through to the front wheels via a 7-Speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It drives very well, though, in the beginning of this review we complained about it not looking good without the AMG line kit, it does benefit from a ride perspective. The ride is a bit smoother compared to the lowered comfort suspension in the AMG line. We managed a reasonable 6.0 l/100 km in the CLA 200.
We’re big fans of the solid design and driving dynamics of the CLA.
Team
Verdict
We’re big fans of the solid design and driving dynamics of the CLA. The CLA starts from R624 200, which is R41 720 more than A-Class sedan. But that’s the choice buyers have to make. In our opinion, we’d get a CLA200 in AMG line form with that beautiful designo mountain grey MAGNO paint. If we ever get a chance to sample CLA220d, we might have to come back and change our opinion.
