Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Review Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class - A decade ago, probably almost never having in mind the European premium brand leaders, that they will be plunged into a narrow car market (niche) buyers, such as crossover. But that was the case today. Check for the presence of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a stylish crossover SUV, but based on the best-selling hatchback, A-Class. This represents Mercedes efforts to open up opportunities in new markets, new customers for them.

A-Class becomes a sort of "pilot project" for Mercedes to enter this new segment. Its platform became the basis of birth-Class models as CLA and GLA-Class. As with CLA-Class which makes the Mercedes entered the compact sedan market segment of small engine for the first time, GLA-Class also provides a similar story. This is the first crossover model of Mercedes-Benz in the history of their journey. In Indonesia, Mercedes Benz presents two types of GLA 200, the Sport and Urban.

From the family pedigree of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class was born as a product that is completely different from all his brothers. Although they call it a compact SUV, GLA more deserves to be called as a crossover. Based A-Class hatchback display impression that carried GLA-Class does seem still too dominating. Even so, the brand image of Mercedes that carried GLA-Class is not to be underestimated, coupled with premium quality assurance are presented, the car should have a decent choice.

DIMENSIONS

From its dimensions, CRAZY indeed look more muscular and bigger than the A-Class, but the actual specifications of length and width dimensions almost exactly the same, varying only a few millimeters. Wheel axis distance is still the same. What distinguishes it is the height of the car. Germany has a high crossover 1.494 mm, or 59 mm higher than the A-Class.

Viewed from the front, see GLA thick with sporty impression accordance with a variant of GLA 200 Sport we tested. This model has a touch of the elements of the exterior of the AMG. The masculine side of an SUV appeared from behind a firm strokes hips, accent-aluminum roof rails, side bumper protector, rear apron as well as design. At the rear it looks sort of skid-plate element that is integrated with a twin-exhaust, asserts its sporty impression. Velgn model of five-spoke 19-inch AMG featuring shades sporty back.

In the machinery sector still use the same unit as belonging to A 200 and CLA 200, namely a gasoline engine 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbo-powered 156 hp and plentiful torque up to 250 Nm, which is already present from 1,250 rpm. This engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-DCT that drives the two front wheels.

Based A-Class makes GLA also get features that are nearly identical to the older brother. Auto Start-Stop system Engine fuel consumption more efficient has been embedded, was also present besides Active Parking Assist which is now a standard feature on almost all models of Mercedes-Benz.

GLA stuffing safety features that include six airbags, brake system with ABS + EBD + BA, traction control, Electornic Stability Program (ESP), cruise control, parking sensors and sensor to automatic wipers. To support its control, Acceleration Skid Control and ESP Dynamic Cornering Control System into your assurance when driving more aggressively.

INTERIOR

The interior is exactly the same GLA owned by A-Class hatchback. Alcantara leather seats with electronic adjustment to the first line with a comfortable clasp, and kekedapan interior is evidence that the car is indeed located in the premium segment. Elements typical sporty AMG comes from the use of the material leather steering wheel with red stitching. The steering wheel, in my opinion, gives the sensation of grip so comfortable in all conditions. Panoramic roof adds a positive impression for this car, but then stalled for granted.

Yes, it is expensive Alcantara lining on the seats as if nothing can erase the impression of "normal" given the other material in the dashboard, console and door trim. The material used does not look expensive, even air-conditioning system is still manual with the play button. It is quite unfortunate, considering the price of GLA high enough for an entry-level Mercedes-Benz. For the comparison, an SUV, hatchback and even Japanese branded with the selling price of less than half, are already equipped with these features, even better.

GLA has a central regulator of key audio and multimedia system that is close to the center console arm rest. The play button is fairly easy to operate because it is in a position in which the transmission lever is typically located. But the GLA, the transmission shifting lever located behind the steering wheel. This also presents a lot more storage space in the center console. All the commands of the play button is used to change a wide variety of settings that appear on the screen size of 5.8 inches in the middle of the dashboard.

The second row seats seem to be a problem for GLA. For two adults, GLA would not be the first choice of a matter of convenience and flexibility in it. Low roofline and the sloping rear hatchback typical really cut headroom in the rear. The effect of using a panoramic roof into solution creating more spacious room atmosphere. While in the trunk, Mercedes offers luggage capacity of up to 421 liters in normal conditions, and can be boosted up to 836 liters by folding the rear seats flat. Which menjdai barriers, with increasing distance to the ground floor of the vehicle, the trunk threshold even higher.

PERFORMANCE

The performance is presented by the GLA 200 we tested was greatly reduced compared to when we tested the first time earlier this year. The response was very slow acceleration, and sound 'ngelitik' of the engine every time we stepped on the gas pedal to accelerate. This we had expected due to sub-optimal treatment and often time the test car uses fuel that does not match the manufacturer's recommendations before we borrowed.

In a test of acceleration 0-100 kph what we do repeatedly, a figure that we can not be faster than 11.3 seconds, although we have done in the Sport driving mode. Though claims Mercedes-Benz up to 100 kph acceleration in 8.8 seconds can be achieved. At low rpm, GLA really hampered his performance due to the accelerator response is slow, even when accelerated at medium and high speeds this car gives a pretty good response.

The use of paddle shift contribute to deliver enjoyable performance. In driving mode manually, make use of paddle shift gear change can be done at any time to remove the power required. On the way to Bandung, which is dominated by the track uphill, GLA200 shortage caused a slow response acceleration, can be met by selecting a lower gear.

PRICE

TYPE	PRICE
NEW GLA 200 URBAN	USD 599 million, -
NEW GLA 200 SPORT	USD 649 million, -