A facelifted version of Mercedes-Benz’s CLA sedan has been launched in India for Rs 31.40 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The car was launched for the Indian market in the first half of 2014 and this is the first major update for the sedan. It is being offered in three variants, two engine options and across four colour schemes.
On the outside, the updated CLA sedan now gets the avant-garde grille painted in black with a silver logo as standard. There are black inserts on the front bumper while the headlamps can be had had as full LED units (optional). The rear bumper has got some minor tweaks while the design for the alloy wheels has been revised. The car also gets a panoramic sunroof as standard, and gets a new blue shade body paint.
Inside, there is a new 8.0-inch screen displaying the German automaker’s latest COMAND infotainment system. Also included in the cabin update is a revised instrument cluster, chrome inserts for the dashboard and revised upholstery options.
Mercedes-Benz also introduced the CLA in a Road Track edition. It is priced at Rs 1.78 lakh over the standard car. It gets white interiors, carbon fibre mirrors, red hub caps on the wheels, and sportier stickers.
The CLA is offered with one petrol and diesel engine. The former is a 2.0-litre unit producing 181bhp/300Nm while the latter is a 2.2-litre unit producing 134bhp/300Nm. Both engines are offered only with a seven-speed DCT.
By the middle of next year, we can expect Mercedes to launch a revised version of the CLA45 AMG. It will sport an AMG body kit and a 2.0-litre petrol engine fettled by the magicians at Affalterbach to produce 381bhp/475Nm. This car makes use of a seven-speed AMG speed shift DCT and 4MATIC AWD system.
The CLA in India takes on the likes of the Audi A3 as well as the BMW 1 Series in the entry-level premium sedan segment. It is more expensive than the A3 as well as the 1 Series but of the three seems to have tasted the most success.
