Mercedes-Benz CLA [2016-2020]

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is your gateway into Mercedes’ world of sedans. The CLA is built on the A-Class platform and was launched in India back in 2014 as the CLA 45 AMG. The run-of-the mill variants of the CLA were launched in 2015. As the CLA has been facelifted globally earlier this year, the Indian car is now at par with the global CLA.

The CLA will continue to compete with the Audi A3 in the Indian car market along with the Volvo V40. For the same price, you can also have a look at the Skoda Superb, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord among D-segment sedans.

Further to this, read Mercedes Benz CLA Class Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

The 2016 update is a standard midlife upgrade and the CLA will continue with the same body shell. It continues to get its evocative lines that blend in with the Mercedes family face. The diamond grille in black is now standard across the trims and the mesh grille on the air dam have been reworked for more aggression. The headlamps are now all-LED with the signature daytime running lamps. The multi-spoke alloys are the only change to the side profile. The tail looks almost the same again with a few changes to the rear bumper.

Interior

On the inside, the display for the infotainment system has been tweaked in terms of its appearance and it also gets latest software like Android Auto and Apple Car Play for seamless integration of your smart phones. In terms of luxury, the premium sedan continues with its list of leather upholstery, power adjustable seats, adjustable steering for rake and reach, sunroof et al. It also gets driving modes now where the engine and transmission characteristics change to optimise power delivery instead of the standard economy function.

For safety, you have the six-airbags standard to cocoon the occupants in case of mishaps. You also get ABS with EBD, brake assist with adaptive braking, electronic stability program along with anti-skid control. You also have reversing camera and rear parking sensors for parking aid.

Engine and Transmission

The India-bound car continues to get CLA 200 petrol and the CLA 200d diesel engine options. The 2143cc four pot turbocharged diesel produces 136bhp of power and 300Nm of torque while the 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol mill produces 156bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with steering mounted paddle shift and power the front wheels of the sedan.The CLA 45AMG is also on the cards and the launch of the twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol 350+bhp sporty sedan should follow soon.

Mileage

The 2143 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 15 kmpl in city and 17 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 10 kmpl on urban roads and 11 kmpl and freeways, respectively.