Mercedes fills achingly huge gap between the A- and C-class
with the fantastic-looking CLA
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| Mercedes-Benz CLA |
Has anyone ever scribbled down their list of requirements
for a new car, Stared at it for a while and then said: “What I really need is a
compact four-door coupe based on something the size of, ooh, the A-class ..."? Probably not. But Merc has an impressive
history with calmly carving new niches. So don't judge the new CLA, which
amounts to a baby CLS, by its slightly odd/unique market position and instead
just look at it. In a fashion-led world, on first impressions Merc looks to
have created another winner. The gorgeous styling shouldn't be too much of a
surprise: there was a precedent. Merc showed the concept Style coupe last year,
which promised so much for a possible CLA production version
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| Mercedes-Benz CLA |
The good news is
that the real thing is virtually identical. The odd line here and there has
been tweaked, as have the wing mirrors, but it's effectively the same swoopy
metal. The CLA Runs on the same platform as the A-class hatch, with an
identical wheelbase, so the engine line-up is based along similar, albeit less extensive,
lines. There are likely to be two patrols- a 1.6 liter and a 2.0 liter- as well
as the 220 CDI diesel. We say likely, because all three engines might not come
here - the small petrol isn't confirmed
for the UK yet. But most buyers will plump for the diesel with 168bhp and 258lb
ft. That's Good enough for 0-62mph in 8.2secs, along with 67.3mpg and 109g/km
CO2, for a starting price of around 29,000 Euro. Inside, the CLA gets Merc's
latest multimedia system, with the option to connect to Smartphone and the web.
Customers will be able to 'talk' to their car using Apple's Siri voice recognition,
as well as share all their location with friends. But here's the really
exciting bit- we're pretty certain an AMG version is due. Merc's already
announced an A45 AMG, so it'd be bonkers not to do the same thing to the CLA.
Imagine that - 350bhp, AMG handling, and beefed-up looks... it bodes well
