Compact style: Mercedes-Benz CLA180 Coupe AMG Line review

Reading Time: 3 minutes

P11D Value: £26,525
Company car tax band: 31%
BIK tax: £137 (20%)/ £274 (40%)
Compact four-door saloon
122bhp/200Nm, 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol/6-spd manual box
Economy (comb)/CO2: 42.2mpg/152g/km
Performance: 9.0sec/130mph

What is it?

THE Mercedes-Benz CLA180 is a compact four door saloon that takes its coupe looks from the larger CLS range.

What’s not so obvious is that the CLA is based on the A-Class hatchback. The result is a front-wheel drive saloon with eye-catching looks and a price tag that won’t break the bank.

Any car with that three pointed star on the front is guaranteed to be desirable and the CLA180 takes full advantage. Striking curves, a swooping roofline, and an imposing front end make sure the Mercedes stands out for all the right reasons. The AMG Line features a striking grille and headlight combination, lowered suspension for a sporty feel, and 18″ alloy wheels.

Despite the looks the CLA180 is somewhat deceptive. Under the bonnet you will find a four-cylinder, 122bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, meaning you can still turn a few heads without having to worry about massive fuel bills and associated company car tax rates.

The CLA180 is fitted with a six-speed manual as standard, which gets you in a respectable 9 seconds to 60mph and on to a top speed of 130mph. Should you be driving it somewhere like Germany on an unrestricted road.

The interior is also heavily influenced by the A-Class but the CLA range offers a slightly higher specification at entry-level. Leather and DINAMICA microfibres sports seats, complete with red stitching to match the steering wheel, are standard on the AMG Line.

There’s also plenty of technology included with a reversing camera, automatic climate control, and 7-inch media display also included in the price. You can even play around with different driving modes using the Dynamic Select feature.

There are a few downsides to the Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 though.

It may be more stylish than the A-Class hatchback it’s based on but that style comes at a price. The sloping roof looks great but it does mean the rear seats are somewhat limited for taller people, although that wide rear end does hide a spacious boot so it’s not all bad.

In terms of running costs you might prefer to opt for the seven-speed automatic rather than the six-speed manual. It costs around £1300 more than the manual but road tax, emissions and BIK rates are all lower so it might be more popular for business users.

Verdict on the Mercedes-Benz CLA180 Coupe AMG Line

If you want a company car that looks different – then this is it. With all the attributes of a saloon, but with a much more stylish body shape, the CLA offers business car drivers real stand out. This petrol model is ideal for drivers who do shorter distances and with the AMG Line specification gives a luxurious and sporting feel to business motoring.