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
- 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).
- 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.