Mercedes-Benz CLA

CLA Review
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the entry-level sedan in the Mercedes scheme of things and was introduced to the Indian market back in 2014. The first CLA to arrive was the CLA 45 AMG and the regular petrol and diesel variants were introduced later in 2015. The Mercedes CLA has been updated globally in March, earlier this year and gets a few tweaks on the exterior as well as inside the car.

The CLA is based on the Mercedes A-Class platform and continues to reflect the updated A-Class. It carries the same body shell forward but the air intakes on the front bumper have grown in size and it gets blacked out mesh grille for the air dam. The diamond radiator grille that was an option on the previous car might become standard on the facelift. There are hardly any changes to the evocative flowy lines of the CLA profile.

Inside, the biggest change is the new display screen for the infotainment system which also gets software updates. Android Auto and Apple Car Play will be standard along with Bluetooth smartphone integration and USB and AUX inputs. Being a three-pointed star, the CLA is replete with luxury features including an electrically operated sunroof up top. The seats are electrically adjustable and so are the wing mirrors. The driver ORVM and the internal rear view mirror are auto dimming. It gets push-button start and keyless entry.

As for the powertrain, the CLA continues with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four cylinder engine developing 156bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel produces 136bhp of power and 300Nm of torque and both the engines will come mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. For safety, it has six airbags along with ABS-EBD, brake assist with adaptive braking, hill assist et al. The electronic stability program also gets anti-skid control and the CLA gets full LED automatic headlamps with adaptive function.

The CLA will continue to compete with the Audi A3 and the Volvo V40 in the Indian car market. For a similar price tag, you have the much larger D-segment sedans like Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord to choose from. The CLA 45 AMG – the 360bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol sporty version of the CLA – is expected to be launched soon to complete the CLA line-up in India