NEW MERCEDESBENZ CLA BREAKS COVER IN LAS VEGAS

THE SECOND-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has finally revealed itself to the world, looking more like a ‘CLS junior’ than ever.

In fact, the compact coupé-inspired four-door has also broken the shackles of the A-Class design idiom, no longer sharing its frontal design with the hatch that it’s ultimately based on. And it makes perfect sense that the CLA would become more distinctive, given that there is now a conventional sedan version of the A - freeing the CLA up to be lower, sleeker and sexier.

But there’s far more to this sleek new four-door than just looks - it packs a whole entourage of smart technology, which would explain why its maker chose to reveal it at the CES technology showcase in Las Vegas.

For starters, the CLA comes with the latest version of the new MBUX infotainment system that debuted in the A-Class, featuring artificial intelligence algorithms that adapt to driver preferences, and an advanced voice control system. Also on offer here is a smart new gesture control system that can detect whether it’s the driver or passenger that’s using it, while Merc’s Energising Coach ‘wellness programme’, which provides fitness recommendations, filters down from the larger sedans in the range.

Thanks to a raft of driver assistance gadgets also inherited from its bigger brothers, the little four-door is also able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations, with advanced camera and radar systems allowing it to see up to half a kilometre ahead. Active Lane Change Assist is available too, while enhanced Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are fitted as standard.

The CLA was revealed in Sin City as an Edition 1 (with all its associated stylistic bits and bobs), and the vehicle is fitted with the firm’s 2-litre turbopetrol engine, rated at 165kW and 350Nm and mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox. However, there will eventually be a broad range of petrol and diesel engines, Mercedes promises, some featuring 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

The CLA is fitted with a decoupled multi-link rear suspension system, and adaptive damping is optional.

Sources indicate that the new car might arrive in SA just in time for your December 2019 Christmas stocking or early in 2020.