The Mercedes-Benz GLA concept was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and quickly garnered attention. It first made its local appearance during 2014 and received a facelift in 2017 which saw a few stylistic and tech upgrades incorporated on the interior and exterior. The first generation of the GLA Class sold more than one million units globally.
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A new GLA made its way to showroom floors and is based on the latest A-Class platform. Mercedes-Benz has made available six derivatives to choose from in three trim levels. Trim levels include entry-level, AMG Line, and Edition 1 variants, all three offered with either a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel motor or 1.3-litre, turbocharged, petrol engine.
1. Exterior styling
The new GLA is slightly wider and taller than its predecessor but is one and a half centimetres shorter. Although similar in profile, the new GLA offer completely updated styling. Upfront is a revised grille and Multibeam LED headlamps situated above the new front bumper. The rear incorporates the sharper design elements as found on the latest Mercedes-Benz products.
The new GLA resembles the model it is based on but includes the raised ride height, subsequently even taller than the B-Class. In each corner is wider and more pronounced wheel arches to accommodate the line of rim options, ranging from 17 to 20-inches.
2. Interior styling
Although the new GLA is slightly shorter than its predecessor, it provides more headroom for the front occupants and more legroom for the rear passengers. The dashboard is stylised with two "cut-outs", one in front of the driver and the other in front of the passenger. The "cut-out" in front of the driver is occupied by freestanding digital displays available in varying configurations.
As standard customers will benefit from two 7-inch displays but a 7-inch and 10.25-inch combination and a two 10.25-inch combination are also available. A variety of trim surfaces are available ranging from wood to metal. The boot offers 487-litres of loading capacity and expands to 1 198-litres with the, 40:20:40 split, rear seats folded flat.
3. Engines
The new GLA offers either a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel motor or 1.3-litre, turbocharged, petrol engine across the range, all of which mated to an automated dual-clutch transmission. Previously customers could opt for either a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre, turbocharged, petrol motor or either a 1.5-litre or 2.1-litre, turbocharged, diesel engine.
For a more accurate comparison in engine technology advancements, we will be comparing the new 2.0-litre diesel and 1.3-litre petrol motors to the 1.6-litre petrol and 2.1-litre diesel options found on the previous models.
| 2019 GLA 200 | 2020 GLA 200 | 2019 GLA 200d | 2020 GLA 200d | |
| Engine | 1.6-litre, turbocharged, petrol | 1.3-litre, turbocharged, petrol | 2.1-litre, turbocharged, diesel | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT (Opt) | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT (Opt) | 8-speed DCT |
| Power | 115 kW | 120 kW | 100 kW | 110 kW |
| Torque | 250 N.m | 250 N.m | 300 N.m | 320 N.m |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 s | 8.7 s | 9.9 s | 8.6 s |
| Top speed | 215 km/h | 210 km/h | 205 km/h | 208 km/h |
| Average fuel consumption | 5.9 L / 100 km | 6.0 L / 100 km | 4.5 L / 100 km | 5.1 L / 100 km |
Verdict
While the new GLA does not offer huge increases in performance, it does present similar performance in a contemporary and elegant package. The exterior and interior of the new GLA incorporate modern design and technology which will benefit drivers in terms of comfort and safety. However, if the price tag on the latest models is just out of reach, the outgoing GLA model range provides excellent value for money and remains a good looking vehicle.
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