Stylishly cool Merc CLA

The AMG at full bore.

With the arrival of this new good-looking CLA, Mercedes-Benz has established a new four-door coupé segment with a car that is similar in shape than its larger hunch-backed CLS but with extra dollops of cool and bad-ass. The CLA is clearly aimed at the younger, more enthusiastic end of the market and is priced accordingly.

What car fans feared might turn out to be little more than an A-Class with a boot stuck on its bum has turned out to be a real game changer in the metal. Even posing at the kerb the CLA is a real neck-twister with eye candy that includes a scowling face, lots of chrome, edgy alloys, menacing daytime driving lights, an appealing mix of convex and concave surfaces, and a sweeping curve that runs along the sides of the car. The car's low and broad stance is further emphasised by its sloping roof and shoulder muscles over the wheels and even its rear-end shouts "Don't mess with me!"

Oozing class

Inside, the living quarters ooze class and quality workmanship with galvanised trim surfaces, gleaming metal, a piano-lacquer black display screen and sporty but comfortable seating all adding to the glamour. As is typical of Mercedes-Benz there are a zillion options to beautify and personalise not only the cabin but also the entire vehicle.

The AMG's living quarters.

click to enlarge

In line with what is common of all cars in the three-pointed star stable the new CLA bristles and brims with bags of active and passive safety and driving assistance systems, all much too complicated, technical and lengthy to go into detail here - so head for the nearest dealer and grab a brochure or collar a salesperson to explain it all.

Three versions of the CLA have been introduced locally - a flagship AMG 2-litre that blasts out 265kW and 450Nm with the assistance of a lighting fast AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-7-speed sports transmission accompanied by an orchestra of thundering, blarping, exhaust music. This street-fighter blends Hugo Boss with racing overalls and its 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds is a good match for its manicured mean looks. It's the least expensive (but still not cheap) AMG in the Merc stable so it is going to be very attractive to those who have always had the hots for an AMG but could never really afford it.

Solid handling

The CLA from the front - classy styling; an appealing mix of convex and concave surfaces.

Also on offer is a CLA200 with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a six-speed manual transmission which I drove at the Media launch and although I was impressed by its solid handling and sure-footedness through the twisties, the engine felt a tad sleepy, particularly at take-off, even though it churns out 115kW and 250Nm. I also didn't like the six-speed manual transmission which harked back to older Mercs. That aside, it scores well in most other departments and the cabin is a classy, comfortable place to be. My impression of the car was helped along by the fact that it was kitted out with optional extras totalling R56,450 including a media interface, sunroof, reversing camera, COMAND ONLINE4-way lumbar support, and active park assist.

However, my every-day choice of the range is the CLA220 CDI 2.0-litre diesel that punches out 125kW and 350Nm.The oil-burner feels solid and steady on the road, even along the snaky Old Du Toits Kloof pass in howling wind and pouring rain. What also adds to the driving pleasure is its sublime 7G-DCT automatic transmission.

Much livelier - and more friendly to the bunnies and the bears

Not only did the diesel model feel much livelier than the fossil-fuelled CLA200 but its lower fuel usage and emissions also make it friendlier to the bunnies, trees, and polar bears. I would happily fork out the R25,000 more for the diesel over the price of the petrol model and maybe I would even add a couple of extra toys from the R78,350 bundle of optional extras our launch car was kitted with.

The CLA rear view; even its rear-end shouts "Don’t mess with me!"

Both the 1.6 petrol and the 2.2 diesel models have standard equipment such as Seat Comfort Package, Chrome Package, Collision Prevention Assist, Cruise Control, Audio 20CD with 6-disc CD changer, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe System, Direct Steer System, and Collision Prevention Assist.

These two CLA's versions will no doubt drive this segment with the special order AMG selling low numbers, as is the norm for this pricey performer. All three have a number of appealing features with stylish looks, driving pleasure, excellent safety, good quality workmanship and the peace of mind that comes from driving a Mercedes-Benz all ticking the right boxes.

In essence, it's way different to just about anything on the road; stylish, cool and high-tech -and that counts hugely in its favour. The ball's in your court, Audi and BMW...

The CLA models and prices are:
CLA AMG - R674,400
CLA 200 - R372,700
CLA 220 - R397,600

AMG Specifications
CLA Specifications
CLA 180, 200, 220 CDI Specifications

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 7G-Tronic - Test Drive and Review

Mercedes CLA Class 220 CDI review Fahrbericht

Mercedes CLA review - Auto Express