2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Review
The previous generation CLA functioned as a conquest model for Mercedes-Benz. It had a unique positioning that appealed to first-time Merc buyers who weren’t taken in by the dreary B-Class or the mainstream A-Class. The German automaker expects similar standings with its new generation model and is also looking toward current owners who are in the market to upgrade.
Styling
Much like its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz CLA appeals to those who are serious about style and there’s plenty to hold your attention. The latest compact family saloon has been updated with twin ‘power domes’ on its bonnet and there’s the arcing window line and sculptured tail. The CLA sacrifices a little practicality for a large chunk of style.
With some inspiration taken from the S-Class luxury limo, the new CLA features a freestanding widescreen that stretches from the driver’s side all the way to the center for the infotainment. It’s a somewhat configurable digital display with the infotainment side having a touchscreen. Features within the system include the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice commands and ambient lighting which add to the modern luxury looks and feel.
The cabin has an exquisite interior, but a rather busy looking one, as Mercedes does. There are soft-touch materials and brushed-metal surfaces, and along with the flashy turbine-style air vents, all work together to give the CLA its upmarket and tech-savvy appearance.
Related: Driven! Merc's new A-Class sedan and CLA four-door coupé
Performance
The CLA 200 I drove is powered by the same drivetrain in the A200. The M282 engine is a turbocharged 1.33-litre 4-cylinder unit which puts out a reasonable maximum power of 120 kW and peak torque of 250 Nm. The engine has been paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Acceleration in the CLA 200 is quick and invigorating. A 0-100 km/h sprint takes place in 8.2 seconds. Gear changes are also swift and smooth once on the move and we cannot falter the gearbox. However, it can be a little hesitant from a standstill but this is common with Benz cars.
The engine is also equipped with cylinder shut-off whereby the intake and exhaust valves of the second and third cylinders can be closed between 1250 and 3800 rpm in order to save fuel.
During our time with it, our fuel consumption averaged around 7.1l/100 km which is really good for the power you’re getting with this car and the amount of distance you can cover with one tank.
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Space and Comfort
The coupé roofline is not as generous in way of headroom for rear-seat passengers. Upfront, there is plenty of headroom and more so if you avoid the panoramic sunroof, although, personally I love how airy the cabin becomes with a sunroof.
Interior width is plenty and front passengers can sit comfortably without having to cosy up closely into each other. There’s more than enough head, leg and elbow room in the front, but not as much in the rear. However, there is a decent amount of legroom in the rear. Families with taller members may want to look toward other alternatives in the Benz range, perhaps a C-Class, or maybe a GLC?
The driver’s seat can accommodate very tall and very short people, providing enough movement to suit any size with height, backrest angle and under-thigh support.
In terms of storage, the front door pockets are big enough to hold a small bottle of water and some other stuff. There’s also storage elsewhere like under the central armrest you’ll find a usefully large cubby, there are cupholders and a tray in front of the infotainment touchpad big enough for phones, wallets and sunglasses.
The CLA’s boot is a significant 30-litres larger than the A-Class hatchback’s in terms of sheer capacity, although it has shrunk by 10 litres compared to the old CLA. The boot has a high load lip and a smaller aperture which harm its practicality. Merc’s do usually soar when it comes to boot space and there is more enough.
Safety
The CLA is said to provide the highest level of active safety in its segment with functions adopted from the S‑Class but is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP. Although, the A-Class, on which the CLA is based, received five stars and proved to be one of the safest cars in its class. With the list of safety features on the CLA, it should score just as highly, if not better.
One system I loved is the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC which forms part of the optional Driving Assistance Package. In coalition with the adaptive cruise control system, the CLA is able to drive semi-autonomously by keeping a close eye on the traffic situation and the car in front. It accelerates and decelerates autonomously and works even while you’re rolling in peak traffic. Although it does a leave a massive gap, for safety reasons, of course, drivers in Johannesburg won’t even allow a meter between cars so the constant braking the car does when someone cuts you can get a little annoying. Its improved camera and radar systems allow the car to see up to 500 metres ahead. The CLA also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions.
Active Brake Assist now comes standard on the new CLA. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or to prevent them altogether.
Then there’s the Active Lane Keeping Assist system. Personally the Merc’s system is one I loathe because it is so aggressive, it almost throws the car off because the car brakes on one side when you touch the solid line and can give a driver such a shock, which depending on the driver’s reaction to the steering wheel may actually cause something untoward instead of preventing it. It’s just way too aggressive for my liking.
However, if you’re passing over a broken line without indicating, or because of drifting mindlessly out of your lane, the system will warn you by means of pulsed vibrations in the steering wheel. This happens within speeds of 60 to 200 km/h.
The new CLA is further equipped with PRE-SAFE® PLUS which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes of the stationary vehicle, thus lowering the risk of injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.
Aside from the driving assist systems, there is no spare wheel in the CLA. What is handy for the forgetful, the car will lock itself when you walk away with the key.
Related: Top 5 safety features on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Price
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 has a current retail price of R570 500.
The Verdict
Despite its sportiness, the CLA 200 makes no claim to be the fastest or the sharpest in the automaker’s compact model line-up. The car does handle well on the road and provides a comfortable ride. It blends impeccably into a world where tech sells and image is everything. Much like its predecessor, the new CLA should align itself perfectly with avant-garde aspirations. Its latest styling further bolsters its premium positioning and the high-tech interior adds savvy substance.
