This Is Mercedes’ New GLA–We Promise!
Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a new mud-plugging GLA. Not that it appears new, but squint a bit and you’ll notice quite a bit is fresh.
Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a new mud-plugging GLA. Not that it appears new at first sight. But squint a bit and you’ll notice that there’s a new radiator grille under that power dome bonnet. There are also new LED high performance headlights, told apart by new signature DRLs, and a new front bumper that’s the biggest clue to the novelty.
Speaking of stye, the latest GLA benefits the best of its A-class genes. There’s a healthy dose of GLC and GLE in there, which is pretty cool. GLA is however quite different to the step above GLB and flagship GLS. But style was not our GLA200 AMG Line’s strongest point.
New GLA is Basically the Square Root of a GLS450
The GLA’s sexy cabin remains its finest party trick. Basically the square root of a GLS, its’ even better now, considering all that new kit. Always a holistic, open space, the latest GLA adds Artico fabric comfort seats and leather steering wheel trim Never mind, the panoramic sunroof now also comes fitted as part of the deal.
GLA’s infotainment has also benefited the facelift scalpel. The free-standing 7 and 10.25-inch display double screen instrument and multimedia cluster now packs latest generation CarPlay Auto Bluetooth, etc. My Mercedes MBUX. The dials furthermore gain Classic, Sporty and low content Discreet new display styles.
Its best run via Merc’s state-of-the art multifunction steering wheel’s frustrating touch pads. Driving functions to the right. Infotainment left. Can’t say we’re thrilled by how it all works with mere mortals like us. But it does the job and packs in everything you will ever need.
New GLA Infotainment Was Also Under the Knife
There’s more to it than that, though. This little GLA offers excellent load capacity for its class. It has a versatile optional 40:20:40 split-folding individual rear bench. It shifts 140 mm fore and aft, along with backrest rake adjustment. GLA also has a cool standard height-adjustable load floor to securely store all those things you’d prefer hidden.
New GLA also benefits an updated Driver Assistance Package. It gets easier to operate Lane Keeping Assist via Active Steering Control. The next generation Parking Package now supports longitudinal parking, and it even offers a new camera-assisted 360-degree 3D parking view.
Jumping under the bonnet the GLA is now electrified too. This 200 is also the mini-me of the US market 250. It has a 160 HP and 200 lb.-ft from its 1,332-cc turbo petrol four-pot, rather than the American car’s 221 HP and 258 lb.-ft 2-litre. Now a 48-volt mild hybrid starter-generator to briefly delivers an extra 14 HP on demand. Neat. Also good for duck cuddlers.
GLA200 is Solid, Impressive on the Road
That all drives the front wheels via Merc’s 7-speed automatic transmission. Performance impressed in spite of relatively tiny engine size. As our road test data concurs. Combined fuel consumption is just 32 mpg. We achieved a little better, most of the time. Ans that’s a wee bit better than the US GLA 250’s 29 mixed driving mpg.
Solid and impressive on the road, New GLA drives more like a hot hatch than a sports ute. Handling is progressive, it rides well and gets on with aplomb. The gearbox is slick, and you never even know its new hybrid is in use. It’s economical. And GLA has a pleasant demeanor about it too, even if it’s the baby of the G bunch.
Let’s be honest though. This GLA isn’t a mud-plugger at all. It’s front-wheel drive. So unlikely to hang off a cliff or dice in the dues. It’s more about the pose, you know. And sure, it comes at a bit of a premium. But new GLA plays an interesting role in the super-competitive entry SUV arena.
It Ain’t No Mud Plugger, After All!
Now titivated a bit more, the New GLA certainly touches the spot as a spacious, stylish family taxi. Or even a fat, hottish hatchback. But most significantly, it’s a Mercedes-Benz, after all. — Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 AMG Line Engine: 160 HP and 200 lb.-ft 1.3-litre turbo petrol I4 Drive: 7-speed automatic FWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 3.66 sec 0-60 mph: 8.02 sec 0-80 mph: 11.13 sec 0-100 mph: 19.39 sec ¼-mile: 15.9 sec @ 88 mph 50-75 mph: 5.56 sec 75-100 mph: 8.60 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 130 mph Fuel: 33 mpg Range: 375 miles LIST PRICE: $45,000 MSRP (GLA 250 in US)
Photos: Lupini