MERCEDES-BENZ GLA AT A GLANCE

MODEL

A second generation compact crossover that needs to outshine its successful predecessor. The five-seater GLA (H247) built on the A-Class platform is the baby of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV family.

ENGINES

Renault sourced 1.3-litre turbo or Mercedes 2-litre turbo petrol. Diesel variants will be prohibitively expensive for us (unless another tax loophole is discovered) but include 1.5-litre (180d) and 2-litre (200d, 220d) turbo diesels. The GLA 250e combines the 1.3-litre with an electric drive unit. An alternatively styled EV version – the EQA – will be available shortly.

FUEL

17.5 km/litre (GLA 180), 16.4 km/litre (GLA 200), 13.7 km/litre (GLA 250), 55 km/litre (GLA 250e), 21.7 km/litre (GLA 180d), 19.2 km/litre (GLA 200d), 18.5 km/litre (GLA 220d). Consumption on the AMG GLA 35 is worse and 45S even worse!

POWER

134 bhp (GLA 180), 161 bhp (GLA 200), 221 bhp (GLA 250), around 215 bhp combined (GLA 250e), 302 bhp (GLA 35), 418 bhp (GLA 45S). Diesel models are rated 114 bhp (GLA 180d), 148 bhp (GLA 200d) and 188 bhp (GLA 220d).

TRANSMISSIONS

Seven-speed DCT (GLA 180, 200); other variants get the newer eight-speed DCT while the GLA 35 and 45S get an eight-speed AMG Speedshift.

DRIVE

Front or all-wheel drive on 4MATIC models. GLA 45S gets 4MATIC+.

VERDICT

It is understandable why some who hated the first GLA love the new one; it’s been taken from a cookie-cutter mould and given an identity – i.e. the means to grow as an individual.