With the Evoque, Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1 in place, will the new Mercedes GLA crossover model find a niche in women drivers’ hearts? Over to you Geraldine to tell us what you thought of the drive…
What is it?
The GLA is based on the sleek A-class and is Mercedes first venture into the Urban crossover market. Part hatchback, part SUV this is Mercedes answer to Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque, Audi’s Q3 and the BMW X1.
Who is it aimed at?
With rugged good looks and car like driving dynamics the GLA is the ideal car for people who want SUV looks without feeling like they’re driving a tank.
Styling?
The new GLA is a very striking car, the beautiful sculpted lines give it an almost finely chiseled appearance while the heavily flared wheel arches, roof rails and cladding give it a muscular stance.
Under the Bonnet?
Our test car was powered by the familiar 2.1 litre diesel engine and is only available in front wheel drive but opt for the GLA 220 CDI and you get the choice of four wheel drive.
What about inside?
Inside there are plenty of similarities with both the A and CLA Class and everything feels very high quality but while there is significantly more room for passengers and luggage space than the hatchback it still doesn’t feel quite as practical as it should.
The GLA’s boot is decent at 481 litres and with the seats down it grows to 1,235 litres but the lack of overall height limits its usefulness. Rear legroom is fairly limited for adults or older children and visibility is particularly bad so you may want to get the optional rear-view parking camera.
On the Road?
The GLA is based on the A Class, a car we loved when we drove it, so it rides beautifully, keeping the extra ride height under control and feels like the same low slung hatchback. Stable at speed, it corners without rolling but is much more comfortable to drive than the A Class. The steering is light and reasonably accurate making it very easy to manoeuvre. It is also no slouch and goes from 0-60 mph in 10.0 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph but while well insulated from road noise the engine is a little unrefined and at low speeds this is noticeable through the cabin.
What About Safety?
The GLA has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP but given how closely related it is to the A-class and CLA we would be surprised if it didn’t achieve the same maximum five-star rating that they both did.
Options?
Starting from £25,850 OTR, the GLA is available with a choice of two diesel engines (GLA 200 CDI and GLA 220 CDI 4MATIC) and one petrol engine (GLA 250 4MATIC) Two model lines are available the SE and AMG Line. The SE features 18 inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, privacy glass, reversing camera, and DAB digital radio as standard. Moving up to the AMG line adds AMG bodystyling, Dynamic Handling Package, sports suspension, sports seats and red contrast stitching.
Economy?
Economy is certainly a strong point with the GLA and official figures for our test car suggest that on a mix of city and country roads it would return a very frugal 62.8 mpg and has CO2 emissions of just 119g/km.
Verdict?
The new Mercedes GLA is one of the most eye catching cars around and we loved its aggressive profile. Sitting between an SUV and a regular hatchback the GLA isn’t quite as practical as rivals so it’s best suited to the role of small family car. Well priced and stylish inside and out the GLA 200 CDI is best for speed, emissions and fuel economy. A little more practical than a hatchback, a little less practical than an SUV the GLA is a sufficiently good blend to make it stand out from the crowd.
Why you’ll buy one?
Styling, Comfort, Economy
Why you won’t?
Tight rear space: Noisy engine: Moving up the range is pricey…
Rivals
Audi Q3 – priced from £23,875 (OTR)
BMW X1 – priced from £24,230
Range Rover Evoque – priced from £29,205
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CDI SE 5DR
Engine: 2143cc, 100kW 3,400-4,000rpm, 300Nm 1,400 – 3,000rpm
Max speed: 127 mph
0-60 mph: 10 seconds
Emissions : 119 g/km
Model price range: £25,850 - £44,595 (Test Car – £25,850)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : Not yet tested
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 62.8 mpg
Boot Capacity Seats up(down) : 481 litres (1235)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4417mm
Width: 1804mm
Height: 1494mm
Wheelbase: 2699 mm
For more information check out Mercedes-Benz.co.uk or the Mercedes Benz facebook page.
This is a Car Review written by wheelsforwomen.co.uk; a website offering honest, informative and jargon-free car reviews, news and features. Even better, they’re all written by women for women.
