Do you really, really want a GLA but find its starting price exorbitant at over R900k new? Well, if you want the same upmarket feel for less, these five established models deliver similar size, spec and polish, while undercutting the GLA on price.
Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Progressive, R911 040 - price context
The entry-level Progressive model pairs a 1.3‑litre turbo‑petrol engine with 130 kW and 270 Nm, driving the front wheels through a 7‑speed dual‑clutch gearbox. Claimed consumption is 7.3 l/100 km, 0 to 100 km/h is 8.9 seconds, and top speed is 210 km/h. Keep these figures in mind as you weigh the value our top 5 rivals offer. (Read our '24 review of the 200d AMG Line model here.)
Related: Top 5 reasons to fall for the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d AMG Line (in the image below)
1. Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro S line, R 830 300
Audi offers strong performance and all-wheel-drive traction for significantly less than the GLA. The 2.0‑litre turbo‑petrol is good for 132 kW and 320 Nm through a 7‑speed S tronic, with quattro (all-wheel drive) as standard. It is the quickest petrol rival here at 7.8 seconds to 100 km/h, and claims 8.2 l/100 km. Versus the GLA, the Q3 saves you R 80 740 while adding AWD confidence and a sportier S line look and cabin. Read our Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition review here.
(Did you know? The Audi Q3 range starts at just R740 100!)
2. MINI Countryman C Rugged Edition, R 833 903
The new Countryman C Rugged Edition trades on character and value. Its 1.5‑litre turbo‑petrol produces 115 kW and 240 Nm, driving the front wheels via a 7‑speed dual‑clutch. Claimed consumption is a thrifty 6.8 l/100 km, and 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.0 seconds. You pocket a saving of R 77 137 against the GLA, and you get that upright MINI driving position, a practical cabin and the South Africa‑only Rugged Edition styling pack, which looks great.
3. Volvo EX30 Single Motor Core, R 835 500
If you are ready to go electric, the EX30 is the performance bargain of the bunch. The rear‑drive Single Motor Core delivers 200 kW and 343 Nm, sprinting to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Volvo claims 16.7 kWh/100 km and an electric range listed at 344 km. Against the GLA, you save R 75 540 and swap fuel bills for charging, while gaining serious straight‑line pace and Volvo’s minimalist tech‑heavy cabin. (Read my EV road-trip review in the faster twin-motor EX30 here.)
4. Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark, R 842 300
The XC40 B4 is a refined all‑rounder with a mild‑hybrid 2.0‑litre turbo‑petrol rated at 145 kW and 300 Nm, driving the front wheels through an 8‑speed Geartronic. Volvo claims 7.3 l/100 km and 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. It is R 68 740, less than the GLA, with a generous standard kit in Plus Dark trim and the calm, high‑quality cabin Volvo is known for. (Read our review of the XC40 B5 AWD Ultimate Dark pictured below, here.)
5. BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine, R 851 212
Prefer diesel torque and long‑legged cruising? The X1 sDrive18d xLine brings a bigger premium cabin, excellent efficiency and strong real‑world shove from its 2.0‑litre turbo‑diesel, delivering 110 kW and 360 Nm to the front wheels via an automatic transmission. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and claims 5.0 L/100 km on the combined cycle. It undercuts the GLA by R 59 828 and adds BMW’s latest iDrive interface, roomy packaging and xLine styling. Read our review of the X1 sDrive 18i M Sport pictured below, here.
Which one suits you?
If you want AWD security and the sportiest petrol package, the Audi Q3 40 TFSI is the value play.
For badge appeal at the lowest running costs, the MINI Countryman C Rugged Edition is light on fuel and big on personality.
If outright pace and zero tailpipe emissions appeal, the Volvo EX30 Single Motor Core is the quickest here and still costs less than the GLA.
Do you prefer comfort, kit and an easy drive? The Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark is a polished, quiet cruiser, plus it's rather spacious in the second row, too.
If you cover big distances and value diesel efficiency, the BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine is a sensible step that keeps monthly costs in check.
