Mercedes-benz GLA
Mercedes goes all out to ensure that its second-generation family SUV is far more than simply a jacked-up hatchback On sale Now Price from £33,010
FIRST DRIVE
SOME THINK IT was first coined by Mark Twain, while others give the credit to Homer (of Iliad rather than Simpsons fame). But whoever came up with it, there’s a definite truth to the saying ‘clothes make the man’. Or, indeed, the car.
The original Mercedes-benz GLA was little more than an A-class family hatchback in outdoorsy attire, yet that was enough to secure it a million sales worldwide. So, has Mercedes stuck to the same formula second time around?
Well, this family SUV is again related to the
RIVALS BUYER’S FILE
A-class – albeit the latest, fourth-generation version, rather than its predecessor. But Mercedes claims there are a host of unique touches to give the new GLA a more standalone character. And it certainly has a more bespoke look than the original, at least on the outside.
Initially, there are four models to choose from, with the front-wheel-drive, 161bhp 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol GLA 200 being the entry point to the range. This is joined by GLA 200d and GLA 220d 2.0-litre diesels, which produce 148bhp and 187bhp respectively and are available with front or four-wheel drive.
However, we’ve been driving the current range-topping petrol model, the GLA 250, complete with a 222bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, four-wheel drive and an eight-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox.
The engine isn’t as smooth as its equivalents in the rival Audi Q3 and BMW X1, but there’s a good deal of low and mid-range muscle, so this GLA isn’t short on performance; the claimed 0-62mph time of 6.7sec is perfectly believable.
Switch from Comfort to Sport driving mode and you also get a pleasingly raspy exhaust note under acceleration and the odd crackle when you lift off. But while the automatic gearbox is mostly slick, downshifts can be a little jerky at lower speeds – for example, when braking to a halt in town.
Above all, though, it’s the improvements to the ride and handling that stand out, with the new GLA being not only significantly better than its predecessor in these areas but also competitive with the best of its rivals.
The steering is quite light but reassuringly precise. Plus, there’s loads of grip, and body lean in corners is well controlled when you have the optional adaptive suspension in Sport, all of which makes the GLA feel agile.
In addition, the ride is reasonably compliant, even on the 20in alloy wheels fitted to our test car. And with road noise being nicely isolated, the GLA is a relaxing long-distance cruiser.
From behind the wheel, the GLA looks almost identical to the A-class, aside from the fact that you sit significantly higher. However, that similarity to the A-class means there’s a serious wow factor to the design of the dashboard,
Mercedes-benz GLA 250 AMG Line Price Engine Power Torque Gearbox 0-62mph Top speed Fuel economy CO2, tax band
FIRST LOOK