Mercedes-amg GLA45 4Matic 7G-DCT
Mercedes-amg’s smallest performance crossover gains a subtle makeover
YOU’LL have to look quite closely to notice the changes to the revised GLA45, but you needn’t worry about what’s under the bonnet. The world’s most powerful production turbocharged, four-cylinder engine remains in place. Outside, however, there are alterations that Mercedes-benz claims improves aerodynamics, plus there’s a slightly revised interior, too.
These exterior tweaks include new air intakes and a fresh front splitter that improves air ow to the radiator, as well as a restyled front apron and roof spoiler. With the latter, says the Affalterbach-based division of the Mercedes-benz mother ship, the Cd value has been lowered from 0,34 to 0,33. LED headlamps are now also standard.
While these changes are minor – and without them being speci - cally pointed out, you will be hard pressed to identify them – on the whole they do succeed in giving the GLA45 a sharper appearance.
Inside, the tweaks are even fewer and, beyond a little more Artico arti cial leather with the GLA45’S signature red contrast stitching and a gauge that now spreads the speed increments to 30 km/h, the interior remains unchanged.
The familiar M133 engine unit provides the GLA45 with 280 kw and 475 N.m of torque, driving all wheels through the same sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4,4 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Press the starter button and you’re greeted by a familiar exhaust crackle, an aural reminder of both what an impressive engine this is, and that the GLA45 offers performance way beyond other small crossovers (except, perhaps, the Audi RS Q3).
The chassis backs up the drivetrain’s promise, with a bal- anced 4Matic system and direct electrically assisted steering. On winding roads where crossover drivers would generally back off a little, the GLA45 shines with barely discernable body roll and high levels of grip.
A criticism that is often levelled at its A-class sibling is a ride quality that isn’t as supple as the segment-leading VW Golf’s. Last year’s A-class facelift did soften the ride somewhat and the same applies to the GLA range. It’s still rm, but the suspension’s ability to dampen road imperfections has de nitely improved.
So, yes, this facelift has been relatively minor, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Dynamically, the GLA45 remains a polished performance crossover that’s sure to get the blood pumping, yet one that still provides relative comfort in day-today driving ... if you don’t mind splashing out on the list price, or fuel, that is.