In true Mercedes style, the CLA 200 doesn’t disappoint. With seemingly plenty of tech, spec and creature comforts to boot.
But will the price turn buyers away?
Let’s see what CarSales had to say in their review.
Permalink: https://www.autofinanceaustralia.com.au/vehicle-info/2019-mercedes-benz-cla-200-review/
The second generation Mercedes Benz CLA coupe has been on sale for just over a month now, but this is the first time we’ve got to drive it on Australian roads.
It’s better looking, more technically advanced and has one of the most interesting engines under the bonnet we’ve seen in a Mercedes Benz for quite some time.
So all that aside, let’s see how it feels on the road. Initially, the CLA 200 tested here was the only variant available down-under.
However, it will be joined by more powerful and all wheel drive variants later this year. The model on test is priced from just under 60 grand, which means it’s more expensive than the model it replaces, but also far better equipped.
It might be 10% pricier than the outgoing CLA but this new model is packed with the latest in car technology.
Ten and a quarter inch touch screens provide an easy-to-read interface with vital driving information, driver’s settings, entertainment and connectivity and includes voice control for just about every function of the CLAs interior. Close the roof please. “I’m closing the roller sun blind on the sliding sunroof.”
The car is highly equipped as standard but also offers a generous number of optional extras to tailor the kit list as your desires and budget allows. As a small car the CLA is deceptively spacious.
Obviously, rear seat headroom suffers because of the rakish roof, but in every other proportion this is quite a big car on the inside, and just wait until to see the boot. Mercedes hasn’t wasted an inch when it comes to packaging the CLA. It’s cleverly fitted out to maximise its interior space without losing that coupe style so highly sought after by Mercedes Benz buyers.
Under that long bonnet is a compact 1.3 litre turbocharged engine that makes as much power as most two litre units. Now the output figures of this engine aren’t its real problem. It’s the character of having such a small capacity engine and its thirst for a lot of boost pressure that creates a personality that’s not really in keeping with the Mercedes theme.
It’s not a terribly refined engine when it’s pushed, and it can sound a little bit course under heavy acceleration.
On the plus side, when you’re cruising along at freeway speeds, the engine is very civilised and incredibly efficient.
Now with the AMG pack as standard in Australia and the adaptive dampers that come with it, the ride of the CLA is really quite civilised. In fact, the only thing that really lets it down is the low profile tires that create a little bit of rumble on course chip surfaces.
The CLA really looks like a ‘honey I shrunk the kids’ copy of the larger CLS. It offers plenty of technology and a premium driving experience and brings a level of quality to the fit and finish of the car, we think is a clear improvement over the outgoing model.
Yes, it might be a more expensive proposition, but the new CLA 200 is an all round better car. It’s safer, has more technology than ever, and it actually drives pretty well too.
If you like the look, the new CLA coupe is something of a winner, and if you don’t there’s always the A class sedan or hatchback. As for me, I prefer the CLA. It’s a uniquely styled car that helps it to stand out from the crowd, and that point alone should see it sell like hotcakes.
Source: https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/mercedes-benz-cla-200-2019-video-review-120912/
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