GLA is Merc's new urban warrior

When it comes to smart equipment the GLA scores well.

In terms of looks the GLA is dressed in a safari-suit made by Hugo Boss because in reality it's more of a "lifestyle" vehicle than a blue-bearded off-roader. Although some of the models are equipped with 4-Matic four-wheel drive, the rest put power down via the front wheels.

You wouldn't want to get a scratch on this

More of boulevard cruiser than a bundu basher the GLA is really a toughened up 12cm longer, 2cm wider and 6cm higher-riding version of its A Class siblings. Outside it might spout a little extra designer stubble with bolder wheel arches and integrated roof rails but inside it has the same smooth-shaven finishes of the A Class, including the same three-spoke steering wheel, upright infotainment screen (which still looks like a cheap add-on) and the same round ventilation outlets which are so typical of the class.

But, of importance to the outdoorsy types, the GLA has a substantially larger loading space which grows to a very practical 1,235-litres with the back seats folded flat. In addition to the GLA's standard kit buyers can individualise their vehicles from an extensive list of optional extras. There are also three specification levels to choose from - Style, Urban and AMG Sport.

AMG arriving soon

On sale in dealer showrooms already are two diesel-powered GLA's: the 220CDI and the 250 CDI 4-Matic. In a few months two petrol versions, the GLA 200 and 250 4-Matic joins the clan and an AMG model will be here before the end of the year.

You wouldn’t want to get a scratch on this.

The two diesel models share the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that in the 220CDI produces 100kW and 300Nm. Power in the 250 4Matic increases to 125kW and 350Nm which make it faster, thirstier and R66 300 more expensive than the less powerful 220.

At the launch drive in the George-Knysna area I drove both diesels and in spite of the price difference, the more expensive 4-Matic would be my first choice. It feels better on the road where the extra kick makes a big difference and it also handles mild rough stuff with relative ease.

Good clearance

I drove the 4-Matic version for a fair stretch through the beautiful, historical Knysna Forest in a crawling convoy led by an experienced guide and even though the road had some rough sections I only once lightly scraped the bottom of the vehicle.

In terms of looks the GLA is dressed in a safari-suit made by Hugo Boss.

But nice as it might be, one still has to question whether anybody buying an expensive, classy and good-looking SUV would even consider wandering off the tarmac, other than maybe fairly well-maintained gravel roads. Smart alloys, shiny body trim and metallic paint were never designed or really intended for the bush and there are many (some even less expensive) off-roaders on the market which makes a helluva lot more sense.

However, when it comes to smart equipment the GLA scores well. For example, the less expensive 220CDI I drove comes with standard with a Seat Comfort package, Media interface, 7G-DCT automatic transmission, Attention Assist, PRE-SAFE system, Collision Prevention Assist, multifunction steering wheel and an Off-road package.

The GLA also offers a long list of snazzy optional extras, but they will add to the final price.

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It also offers a long list of snazzy optional extras which if you include Reversing Camera, Automatic Panoramic sliding sunroof, Harmon Kardon sound system, AMG trim and a few others it is easy add close to R100,000 to its purchase price.

In fairness, Merc makes no bones about the fact that what it brings to the market with the GLA is something designed for "recreation, lifestyle and adventure", in essence created for "light duty", not for the rougher challenges presented by the African bush.

In the case of the newly-launched GLA, it will be its respected name badge, tough-but-pretty boy looks, fancy on-board kit and the bragging rights that ownership carries which will be its biggest magnets. That, and the fact the GLA is probably one of best, if not THE best, on offer in the snooty edge of this segment right now.

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