Styling
There are three signature lines that can be viewed on the profile of the CLA. The first line starts from the front fender and drops gracefully towards the rear. A second line ‘spans the shoulder muscle’ from the rear towards the centre of the car while the last feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Mercedes-Benz says that together these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.
While we’ve seen a recent trend in the design language of the three big German brands which is to emphasize the width of the car using plain horizontal design elements at the rear, the CLA has to do the same with signature CLS lines which are anything but horizontal. The gently sloping roof contour and the strong curvature of the rear window provide the CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear. The tail lights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end. Mercedes-Benz says the horizontal orientation of the lights are used to impress upon the rear’s powerful and aesthetic breadth.
The cool sunroof is optional and consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look.
Interiors
Aerodynamics
Chassis & Powertrain
In addition to the usual McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension, the CLA also has flexible decoupling of the rear axle carrier which improves ride quality. Wheel carriers and spring links are made of aluminium to reduce unprusng mass. Standard is the comfort suspension and you also have optional sports suspension which lowers body by 20 mm up front and 15mm at the rear.
Powertrain options
Model | CLA 180 | CLA 180 BE Edition *** | CLA 200 | CLA 250 | CLA 220 CDI | |
Petrol, direct injection | Diesel, direct injection | |||||
Displacement | cc | 1595 | 1595 | 1595 | 1991 | 2143 |
Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | 7G-DCT | 7G-DCT | |
Output | kW (hp) | 90 (122) | 90 (122) | 115 (156) | 155 (211) | 125 (170) |
max. Torque | Nm | 200 | 200 | 250 | 350 | 350 |
Fuel consumption combined | l/100 km | 5.4 – 5.6 | 5.0 | 5.5 – 5.7 | 6.1 – 6.2 | 4.2 – 4.5 |
CO2-emissions* | g/km | 126 – 130 | 118 | 127 – 131 | 142 – 144 | 109 – 117 |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h | s | 9.3 | 9.9 | 8.6 | 6.7 | 8.2 |
max. Speed | km/h | 210 | 190**** | 230 | 240 | 230 |
Price** | Euro | 28,977 | 28,977 | 31,862 | 38,675 | 37,991 |
* combined, ** sales price in Germany, incl. 19 percent VAT, *** BE = BlueEFFICIENCY,
**** electronically limited
Petrol engine options include the 1.6 and 2.0 litre engines. The CLA 180 makes 122hp, CLA 200 makes 156 hp and finally the CLA 250 makes 211 hp. Also available on the CLA is the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution.
All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission. Worthy of a mention is the fact that all these engines meet Euro 6 standards, which are yet to be introduced in 2014.
The new CLA is available for ordering with immediate effect and will be delivered to dealerships in April. The CLA C200 CDI variant is alone available only from the 3rd quarter of 2013.