Mercedes Benz GLA-Class

Overview

Showcased at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show as a concept and debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the GLA Class has lodged a newbie under its badge. With the launch of new GLA Class the marque has gifted Malaysia with its first crossover SUV segment. This premium SUV arrives here in three variants- basic GLA 200, GLA 250 4MATIC and the haute GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC. Basic reason behind the GLA nomenclature is the off-roading trait it holds as in the G-Wagon. Embodied with the elegance of A Class and performance of the G class, GLA stands out from the crowd and makes itself one of the most admirable compact cross SUV of all time.

Interior & Features

Quality material and fine finish to every nook and corner gives an elegant look to the interior. 4-way lumbar support seats with slightly elevated position contribute to the sporty attribute of the crossover. Ergonomically arranged controls on the front fascia are polished with solid metal tone giving it a dynamic look. T-shaped centre console accommodates turbine shaped air vents, that offer fresh breeze under varied climatic conditions. Generous space inside the cabin is a result of decent management of all equipments. 450 watts Harman Kardon sound system combines a 12 speaker arrangement with subwoofer and a 9-channel amplifier, that provides quality acoustic all in the cabin. On folding the rear seats, the boot capacity of 421 litres can be increased to 836 litres.

Exterior

With dynamic lines flowing to the side, the crossover holds a coupe trait in its bodywork. Radiator grille engraved with three pointed star allows ample air to enter the engine bay. Sculpted hood with bulged surface add to the SUV persona of the car. Jewel shaped LED lamps with daytime running lights reckons the flamboyant look of the crossover. Measurement of 4417mm X 1804mm X 1494mm (L X W X H) is not very high and adds perfectly to the compact crossover segment. The 17 inch alloys of the GLA 200 and 250 4MATIC accommodates a tyre size of 215/60 R17 (rear and front), whereas the sporty 45 AMG 4MATIC with 19 inch alloy accommodates a tyre size of 235/45 ZR19 (rear and front).

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The haunched hood of the GLA accommodates in-line 4-cylinder petrol engines with different parameters for the three variants. The 1595 cc engine of the GLA 200 churns out 115 kW at 5300 rpm with a maximum torque output of 250 Nm between 1250 rpm to 4000 rpm. On the other hand the 1991 cc engine of the GLA 250 4MATIC knocks out 155 kW at 5500 rpm with a pulsating torque of 350 Nm between 1200 rpm to 4000 rpm. Talking about the hot GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, the car accommodates a turbocharged 1991 cc innovative AMG engine that churns out a humongous 265kW at 6000 rpm with a rumbling torque of 450Nm between 2250 to 5000 rpm. Introduction of piezoelectric injectors and an enhanced combustion process allows the GLA 200 to gain an efficient mileage of 16.9 km/l. The top AMG variant of this crossover is capable to cross 100 kmph mark in just under 4.8 seconds which is quite impressive. The base GLA 200 however, inches towards the 100 kmph line in 8.8 seconds.

Braking & Safety

The basic GLA 200 has ventilated disc brakes at front and solid disc at rear, whereas the other two variants are equipped with ventilated disc type on all four wheels. Combination of spring strut and control arm suspension enables the vehicle to encounter all sorts of bounces and jounces. AMG performance suspension in the 45 AMG offers the richest driving pleasure even on high gravel roads. Attention assist system warns the driver on detecting any drowsiness during driving. Collision Prevention Assist Plus system accompanies a distance warning system which mitigate the cause of collision. The SUV carries a set of airbags system for knee, side and front, which eventually reduces the risk of severe injuries.

Verdict:

Providing ample space and decent safety features, this crossover attains the perfect traits of an SUV. The second row is not the place where you would want to be, its the driving seat that will excite you more. With a slight hike in the fuel economy, the car could have been just perfect.