MERCEDES-BENZ GLA

Priced from R485 400

Mercedes-benz’s compact crossover, the GLA, has been updated in terms of exterior styling and new equipment. The revised bodywork features new bumpers, fresh wheel designs and the addition of a new paint colour called Canyon Beige (pictured above).

Inside, there is a new fabric for the seats, an eight-inch media display system and revised gauges with red needles. The German automaker says the door-mounted controls for the adjustment of the electric seats have been given “small yet effective highlights” in silver chrome-effect trim, while the stowage compartment in the centre console has come in for the chrome treatment. The air-conditioning vent rings, meanwhile, are now “more strongly accentuated”.

An optional 360-degree camera includes a virtual bird’s-eye view of the car made possible by four cameras. Hands-free operation of the tailgate can now be specified.

The updates also affect the range-topping Mercedes-amg GLA45, which gains a restyled front apron including new air intakes and a front splitter insert in silver-chrome, along with highgloss black accents, a different diffuser insert in the rear apron and a restyled roof spoiler.

The GLA45’S 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged four-pot has been massaged to deliver 280 kw and 475 N.m. The facelifted models will debut locally next month.