Here are a few pictures of it:
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This is the first review I've read (From Auto Express)
The Mercedes CLA is in a class of its own right now ""“ with its head-turning looks and compact saloon practicality it's carved out yet another niche. But as the Audi A3 saloon and BMW 2 Series are set to join the ranks next year, has this car got what it takes to stay at the top?
The signs are good. The CLA's design alone has the potential to drop the average age of Mercedes saloon buyers by at least a decade. The swooping roofline, curvaceous panels and stylish headlights all help it to follow in the style-driven footsteps of the larger CLS.
We drove the CLA 220 CDI model, powered by a 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel engine. It's set to be joined later in the year by a 1.6 petrol CLA 180 and a more powerful CLA 250 petrol.
First impressions are of a car that shines brightly in some areas, but suffers quite badly in others. And this is mainly due to the A-Class-derived small car platform.
First, and worst, the CLA is 40mm longer than the C-Class saloon, yet it feels much more cramped in the back seats, with restricted headroom and less-than-generous knee room. However, to compensate, there's a deep 470-litre boot ""“ that's 11 litres larger than in the C-Class.
On the plus side, the interior looks and feels every bit a match for those of the brand's more expensive models. It has just the right mix of A-Class-inspired touches and its own flavour, with a large feature panel on the dashboard adding a sense of width and space.
We've driven this 2.1-litre diesel in other Mercedes, and always been a little disappointed with how its clattery note jars with the rest of the car's impressive refinement. Sadly, this is no different in the CLA ""“ but there's no denying the strong pace on offer.
It's not down to straight performance figures, either (the official 0-62mph sprint time is 8.2 seconds). The engine pulls cleanly at almost every point in the rev range. There's 350Nm of torque from 1,400rpm, with the 168bhp making itself felt from 3,400 to 4,000rpm. It doesn't matter whether you're on full throttle or ambling along in traffic, the engine always seems to have plenty left in reserve.
Our car came as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch box, which occasionally shifted down with a jolt. When we put this to Mercedes, it said it was down to an untested software patch. However, to us it just generally felt a little less crisp than in other Mercs we've driven.
While the steering is a little slow, the rest of the package is well rounded. The suspension is well judged for a variety of surfaces, while the handling is tremendously competent without ever really encouraging you to drive aggressively. Instead, it felt calm and reassuring.
The biggest issue with this car, though, is rear visibility. The thick B-pillars and even thicker C-pillars combine with the passenger's headrest to make a pretty substantial blind spot.
Despite this, the CLA is a very credible, stylish and luxurious saloon with all the qualities you'd expect from a Mercedes. It's not perfect, but it looks good enough and drives well enough for you to forgive its sins. There's still a space at the top of this class waiting to be filled, though ""“ so it's over to Audi and BMW.
This is the first review I've read (From Auto Express)
The Mercedes CLA is in a class of its own right now ""“ with its head-turning looks and compact saloon practicality it's carved out yet another niche. But as the Audi A3 saloon and BMW 2 Series are set to join the ranks next year, has this car got what it takes to stay at the top?
The signs are good. The CLA's design alone has the potential to drop the average age of Mercedes saloon buyers by at least a decade. The swooping roofline, curvaceous panels and stylish headlights all help it to follow in the style-driven footsteps of the larger CLS.
We drove the CLA 220 CDI model, powered by a 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel engine. It's set to be joined later in the year by a 1.6 petrol CLA 180 and a more powerful CLA 250 petrol.
First impressions are of a car that shines brightly in some areas, but suffers quite badly in others. And this is mainly due to the A-Class-derived small car platform.
First, and worst, the CLA is 40mm longer than the C-Class saloon, yet it feels much more cramped in the back seats, with restricted headroom and less-than-generous knee room. However, to compensate, there's a deep 470-litre boot ""“ that's 11 litres larger than in the C-Class.
On the plus side, the interior looks and feels every bit a match for those of the brand's more expensive models. It has just the right mix of A-Class-inspired touches and its own flavour, with a large feature panel on the dashboard adding a sense of width and space.
We've driven this 2.1-litre diesel in other Mercedes, and always been a little disappointed with how its clattery note jars with the rest of the car's impressive refinement. Sadly, this is no different in the CLA ""“ but there's no denying the strong pace on offer.
It's not down to straight performance figures, either (the official 0-62mph sprint time is 8.2 seconds). The engine pulls cleanly at almost every point in the rev range. There's 350Nm of torque from 1,400rpm, with the 168bhp making itself felt from 3,400 to 4,000rpm. It doesn't matter whether you're on full throttle or ambling along in traffic, the engine always seems to have plenty left in reserve.
Our car came as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch box, which occasionally shifted down with a jolt. When we put this to Mercedes, it said it was down to an untested software patch. However, to us it just generally felt a little less crisp than in other Mercs we've driven.
While the steering is a little slow, the rest of the package is well rounded. The suspension is well judged for a variety of surfaces, while the handling is tremendously competent without ever really encouraging you to drive aggressively. Instead, it felt calm and reassuring.
The biggest issue with this car, though, is rear visibility. The thick B-pillars and even thicker C-pillars combine with the passenger's headrest to make a pretty substantial blind spot.
Despite this, the CLA is a very credible, stylish and luxurious saloon with all the qualities you'd expect from a Mercedes. It's not perfect, but it looks good enough and drives well enough for you to forgive its sins. There's still a space at the top of this class waiting to be filled, though ""“ so it's over to Audi and BMW.
