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Mercedes GLA car review – Merc joins battle for compact SUV sales

There’ll be anxious looks around BMW and Audi when the new A-Class based compact SUV starts biting chunks out of their market share.
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5 April 2014

 

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Running costs are pretty good for an SUV (and especially for a Mercedes SUV) but a 20% tax payer will still fork out around £400 a year more in company car tax than on a corresponding A-Class

What’s hot?

  • Premium looks, premium badge, the GLA formula seems absolutely tailor-made for the wants and needs of today’s booming SUV market.
  • Broad range of models, from the two-wheel-drive GLA 200 CDI SE up to the GLA 250 4MATIC in AMG Line trim – with racy GLA45 AMG also set to arrive in June
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    The standard spec on our test model is pretty good and the interior is very smart. Don’t expect that SUV ‘command driving position’ though
  • Compact size (smallest yet for a Mercedes SUV) makes the GLA something new for the Three Pointed Star, bringing in new buyers.  
  • A-Class base, yet the Mercedes GLA is a little longer and taller in the metal, so a touch roomier inside, especially for those in the rear seats.
  • Bigger boot capacity versus the A-Class (481 litres vs 341) makes it the GLA the more practical luggage hauler.
  • Smart, classy presentation, inside and out, well in tune with Mercedes DNA (from the A-Class family).
    Mercedes_GLA_review
    The boot is about a third bigger than the A-Class
  • Attractively low running costs in CDI trim – 62.8mpg combined and 119g/km for CO2 (with entry GLA 200 CDI model). The GLA 220 CDI tested still good for 55.4mpg and 132g/km.
  • Strong mid-range torque with the CDI 220 engine gives the GLA easy driveability. 0-62mph flashes up in a claimed 8.3 secs.
  • Crisp, sure-footed handling and accurate steering make the GLA fun to power through the twisties. Excellent brakes, too.
  • Long standard spec includes air conditioning, reversing camera and Audio 20 radio/CD with DAB and 5.8-inch tablet display, Bluetooth, sports seats and Collision Prevention Assist. 4MATIC also includes downhill descent function.
  • AMG Line adds AMG bumpers and sills, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, and 15mm lowered sports suspension. Inside, AMG sports seats and steering wheel spice up the show with red stitching.

 

What’s not?

  • While undeniably smart and fashionable inside, the GLA doesn’t have the high-set “command” seating position of many SUVs. So a note to the socially obsessed/aware: you’ll be sitting at normal height.
  • GLA instrumentation, while high on quality, could have clearer design.
  • Some diesel clatter from the four cylinder 2.1-litre CDI unit at tick over.
  • If you want the smoothest, most supple GLA ride, go with the SE comfort suspension, not the lowered AMG version tried here.

 

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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