The details:
Those sharply styled head lamps with bi-Xenon illumination and boomerang shaped LED DRLs look positively mean.
Curvy, all-LED tail lamps add a lot of oomph to the hind side, especially when lit.
Although not an AMG model, aggressive central and side air dams on the front bumper further enhance the CLA’s sporty appearance.
AMG-specific power domes on the bonnet have been used outside of an AMG product for the first time.
The black diffuser beneath the rear bumper is accentuated by a chrome strip and flanked by twin trapezoidal exhausts.
Classy, 5-spoke two-tone 17 inch wheels, wrapped around by 225 section tubeless tires.
Sexy, frame-less doors look astonishing, but one can only behold ’em when they are swung open.
BMW Shark Fin style rear antenna looks the part, but isn’t color coded.
Power-train and performance
The CLA, upon its launch will be offered with two engines options. Petrol power comes in the form of an 2.0 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 184PS of power produced at 5500 rpm. The engine also produces 300 rpm of torque between 1200-1400 rpm. There is also a 2143cc turbo diesel on offer with 136bhp of power output @ 3600-4400 rpm with torque output rated at 300Nm between 1600 and 3000 rpm. Both engines come mated with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission with ECO, Manual and Sport modes to select from and steering mounted pedal shifters for manual shifts.
We drove the CLA in both the flavors during Mercedes’ media drive event. Let’s begin with the less powerful diesel engine first. The power output of 136bhp isn’t too high and resultantly the diesel powered CLA isn’t a particularly quick car. There is a fair bit of engine noise filtering into the cabin too. The upside however, is the linear nature of the engine, delivering bushels of torque from as low as 1300 rpm and endowing the CLA with great cruising capabilities with very low consumption.
The diesel CLA does its 0-100km/h sprint in a little less than 10 seconds, which isn’t very quick. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 17.9 kmpl is segment leading though. As we discovered during the drive, the 2.1 liter engine is a fine companion for stress free, relaxed cruising with a high fuel efficiency output. It’s got ample torque for reassuring overtakes when required; it doesn’t like being hustled though.
The 2.0 liter petrol variant, however, is a fine performer. The 0-100km/h timing for this one is 7.8 seconds, and the fuel efficiency figure, at 15.04 kmpl is impressive for the engine size. Redlined at 5700 rpm, this engine isn’t a particularly high revving one, but has plenty of shove at hand. Unlike the relatively unhurried diesel, the petrol powered CLA feels sporty and intent. The difference in acceleration is very evident right from the word go. With its higher output and no forced induction, the petrol engine feels a more natural option for the athletically styled CLA. We could have done with a sportier sound note and bit more rev-happiness for the engine though.
As mentioned before, both engines come mated with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. While Mercedes-Benz have adopted the twin clutch technology for their mainstream cars with the DCT, they still have to hone it a bit more to make it work at the blazing fast speeds we have come to expect from rival transmission systems. It does a great job of swapping ratios efficiently and intelligently in the auto mode and doesn’t leave much to complain about for everyday driving. However, once you let the racer instincts within gather force and demand extreme performance, the transmission leaves you somewhat wanting for more. Response to kickdowns takes a teeny bit, which is acceptable in most cases, but sometimes when you’re really gunning for it, makes you wish it were that slight bit quicker.
The CLA comes equipped with auto start/stop to save fuel wherever possible. There are Eco / Manual / Sport modes to choose from. As you’d expect looking at those names, the ECO mode enhances efficiency to the fullest, while Sport mode ensures maximum engine-transmission performance with some alterations made to the steering as well. Manual mode lets the driver hang on to a specific rev for as long as he wants, disallowing up-shifts. Of the two cars, the petrol variant, quite naturally, is the pick of the two options for its superior performance. The diesel CLA is practical and efficient, but it can’t bring that wicked grin on your face.
Ride and handling
Mercedes-Benz have worked extensively on the suspension of the CLA to ensure that it suits the requirements of the Indian customers particularly well. The engineers have really gone all out to make sure that the CLA doesn’t have the stiff ride quality the A and B-Class were criticized to an extent for. The ride height has also been raised marginally to let the CLA sail smoothly over the turbulent Indian roads. And what an exemplary job have they pulled off! The CLA absolutely astonishes with its ability to flatten any impediments the notorious Indian roads may throw at it.
During our test run, impressed with the exceptional poise exhibited by the CLA over some broken roads, we took it to an entirely tattered stretch to torture test its abilities, and the car ensured that our high opinion about its exceptional suspension did not change one bit. So impressive have been the results of the fine-tuning of the suspension that Mercedes-Benz India is contemplating giving the 2015 versions of the A, B and GLA – Class a similar tune-up treatment. Of the two variants on offer here, the diesel feels a bit more nose heavy as compared to the petrol. Thanks to the added weight it feels ever so marginally softer than the petrol version. The lighter petrol variant feels very mildly more firm.
The petrol version also feels a wee bit more nimble and balanced than the diesel powered option. When pushed around tighter bends, the petrol version also feels a more neutral exhibiting less understeer. The steering on both cars is medially weighed at slow to medium speeds. It gathers weight as you build speed, though doesn’t feel as heavy as on some of the other German cars.
Just like the suspension, the steering also insulates you from the information about what’s being trampled by those 225-section Yokohamas. The feel and feedback at the wheel isn’t something great to write home about though it’s quite precise and allows you to place the car confidently while handling bends. High speed stability in a straight line is not a bother. Wavy undulations on a confined stretch of deserted road, at a very high speed saw us getting momentarily airborne in the CLA. Neither did the CLA bottom out, nor did it lose its line upon landing, which says a lot about the capabilities of its underpinnings.
Thanks to its power output, the petrol version of the CLA presents itself as a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive. Even with its front wheel drive layout, it feels nimble and is easy to break traction and put into a slide. Given a smooth surface, the CLA in the petrol guise should be able to put a big smile on the faces of those who know how to play with it.
>>Next Page for the Interiors & Features in detail, Verdict and Image Gallery>>
I like it.
TYPO —should be CLS
… have all taken cues from the CLA.