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| Features | Details |
| Engine | 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol 4 cylinder with 48V mild hybrid tech. |
| Power | 130 kW |
| Torque | 270 Nm |
| Transmission | 7G-DCT (7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission) |
| Claimed/Actual Fuel Consumption | 6.6L - 7.3L /100km claimed / +-8.0L /100km |
| Safety Features | 7 airbags (Opt 9), ISOFIX, Active Brake Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, ADAS |
| Service Plan, Service Interval, Warranty | 5-year /100 000km maintenance plan with 20 000km service intervals, 5-year /100 000km warranty |
| Price | from R984 140 |
Pros
- A good-looking send-off for the current GLA
- Cosy cabin with some lovely accents
Cons
- Lacks true keyless entry as standard
- Steering wheel controls are a faff
- Gloss black interior trim pieces can get mucky quickly
Everybody wants a taste of that sweet, sweet luxury, but if you can get it at a lower price, then by all means. This is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Night Edition, one of your entry points to 140 years of Mercedes-Benz Innovation. The Night Edition also serves as a final send-off to the current GLA model, making way for the new GLA, which, at the time of typing this, was just revealed.
Styling
The Night Edition is primarily an aesthetics package. Take your standard GLA200 AMG Line and make it monochromatic. Manufaktur Alpine grey paintwork and add some nice AMG shoes, 20-inch ones to be exact. Other treatments include gloss black accents. This all complements the existing AMG Line kit well.
Space and Comfort
The monotonous tones continue into the cabin. The brushed metal trim pieces, gloss black trim pieces, seat trim, stitching, and grey seatbelts all adhere to the Night Edition theme. On the tech front, we have a dual-screen setup housing the instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system, complete with the latest MBUX update. MBUX works pretty well, but I find the touch controls on the steering wheel a bit of a faff for skipping tracks and whatnot. Though you aren't locked into this and can use the touchscreen, I'd prefer the trackpad you can spec on other Merc models. Also, for convenience, the Easy Pack automatic tailgate is a nice-to-have, but a more convenient keyless entry would be beneficial as well. This is a cosy interior, though.
Performance
You can expect mild hybrid propulsion in the GLA now, via 48V tech,, giving a 10 kW boost and a a starter generator. This is paired with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and the 7G-DCT transmission sending power to the front wheels. 8.9s. Total power outputs are 130 kW / 270 Nm. Sufficient power for this sort of vehicle.
The Drive
The GLA200 delivers power with elegance, with the extra nudge of the hybrid tech. It's no AMG exhilaration, but for the daily commute I'm not fussed about that. I quite like how the chassis is setuyou'du'd think with the 20 inch shoes it would be on the harsher end but the ride is compliant. It's also quiet in the cabin so the NVH here is pretty good, for a taste of Mercedes-Benz ownership, it's a good appetiser.
Fuel Consumption
Claimed fuel consumption is rated from 6.6-7.3L /100km, but we managed around the 8.0L /100km mark.
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating:
★★★★★
Notable Safety
- 7 airbags (Opt 9)
- ISOFIX
- Active Brake Assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- ADAS
Price
| Model | Price |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Progressive | from R913 640 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 AMG Line | from R913 640 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200d Progressive | from R982 080 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Night Edition | from R984 140 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200d AMG Line | from R1 011 780 |
The GLA200 Night Edition's purchase price includes a 5-year /100 000km maintenance plan with 20 000km service intervals and 5-year /100 000km .
What would a traditional finance agreement look like versus Mercedes-Benz's Agility Finance, though?
| Standard finance agreement | Agility Finance agreement | |
| Vehicle Price | from R984 140 | from R971 041.81 |
| Deposit | R98 414 | R97 104.18 |
| Finance Term | 72 Months | 48 Months |
| Interest Rate | 12.5% (Prime 2.5%) | 9.25% |
| Monthly Repayment | R17 547 est. | R11 318 est |
| GFV / Balloon | N/A | R609 041.07 (GFV) |
| Annual Mileage | Up to you | 20 000km |
| Total Financed Amount | R885 726 | R873 937.63 |
Using the AutoTrader Finance Calculator, we used a typical finance agreement as a yardstick to gauge what you could be paying per month for a GLA200 Night Edition. We then consulted Mercedes-Benz South Africa for what a similar agreement would look like if you used their Agility Finance scheme. Immediately, the monthly repayments are significantly lower than those in a typical finance agreement. The added benefit of Agility, though, is that it includes a Guaranteed Future Value, which is agreed upon upfront at the start of the contract. Instead of paying for the entire vehicle during the finance term, a portion of the GLA200's future value is deferred until the end of the agreement to lower the monthly payments. The standard GFV options remain; if you wish to upgrade to a new Merc, keep the vehicle by settling the outstanding amount, refinancing, or returning the vehicle.
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
Competitors
- Audi Q3
- BMW X1
- Lexus UX
- Volvo EX30
- Mini Countryman
Verdict
The GLA200 Night Edition is a pleasant premium crossover. The Agility finance agreement makes ownership and selling on more viable too. Not a bad way to get into a Mercedes-Benz at this point in time. Plus, it works as a nice send-off for the current GLA.
