Ride and handling
First and foremost, all of us should understand one simple fact – that the GLA rides on a front wheel drive layout, and shares its underpinnings with the smaller A and B class cars. So, to expect this machine to match its traditionally rear wheel driven, more expensive cousins in the family wouldn’t be fair. So the GLA isn’t meant to go around bends like a honed sportscar. The GLA is meant more to make a bold visual statement while keeping its occupants in comfort. It’s not a product engineered to defy gravity or sling around with the mountains as its fulcrum.
Once you have absorbed and come to terms with that piece of information, you’d start appreciating the GLA’s abilities. To start with, the generous 183mm of ground clearance makes the GLA a decent tool to tread the road less trodden. Though not a proper off-road machine, the GLA does manage to handle a fair bit of challenge. We saw its capabilities while crossing some streams while on the foothills of Shimla. Not only did the GLA manage to clear the big stones underneath the water without scraping its belly even once, it also handled some slippery uphill terrains without a fuss.
On the road, the petrol and the diesel variants ride and handle in a perceptibly different manner. The petrol variant, of the two is the more inviting machine. While steering on the GLA200 is relatively lighter, it still feels nicer to operate and gathers sufficient weight as speeds builds up. There may not be enough feedback or feel available at the palms, but it enables the driver to place the car reassuringly and precisely on the road. As long as you’re not doing something momentously stupid, the GLA 200 comes across as a reassuring and forgiving car which would engage the discerning driver to a fair degree.
The suspension too, feels well sorted on the petrol variant and takes in its stride the pervasive potholes and rough surfaces without a whimper. The GLA 200 feels nimble and is a joy to steer around the alluring windy mountainous roads. There is some degree of understeer to be felt, but for this category of vehicles, the GLA 200 shows plausible composure. It’s only over the sharp edged surfaces where the GLA lets the impact pass into the cabin unfiltered. Even with the bumped up ride height, the GLA 200 offers a good mix of absorbent ride and dependable handling.
The GLA 200 CDI, on the other hand feels a bit lacklustre as compared to its petrol sibling. The diesel’s steering is heavier than the petrol’s and somehow doesn’t feel as nice and natural to operate. The car feels slightly nose heavy and even the suspension feels a tad bit stiffer. While the GLA 200 CDI by itself is a nice car to drive, when driven immediately after the GLA 200, feels a little overwhelmed.
Verdict
There’s no questioning the fact that the GLA is a standout product in its segment when it comes to visual appeal. All through our drive, we saw people twist their necks and have a second look. The equipment list is liberal and the natty crossover scores high in terms of practicality too. While naysayers would point out the lack of an AWD, we really don’t think buyers in this segment are going to miss that piece of equipment much.
We loved the petrol powered GLA 200, which has a nice balance of power and sportiness about it. The diesel powered GLA 200 CDI, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a very enticing drive for the enthusiast. What it does, however, offer, is a frugal engine, which has sufficient shove for practical use at a price which is par with the class, while also offering more equipment than competition.
The GLA has its visual appeal and equipment going in its favour. Go have a test drive today if those two things are high on your agenda.
Price:
Rs 32.75 lakh GLA 200 CDI
Rs 36 lakh GLA 200 Sport
Rs 36.9 lakh GLA 200 CDI Sport
Customization Options
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Apple iPad2-iPad4 docking station on the front seat back rest
- Illuminated three pointed star logo on the front grille
- Bicycle roof rack
- Choice to select between 18-inch, 5-twin spoke black alloys or 19-inch ,5-twin spoke tremolite or black wheels on 235/45 section rubber.
Tech specs :
Technical Specifications
| GLA 200 | GLA 200 CDI | |
| Arrangement of Cylinders | Inline / 4 | |
| Displacement (Cc) | 1991 | 2143 |
| Max output (bhp@rpm) | 181@5500 | 135@3600 – 4400 |
| Max torque (Nm@rpm) | 300 Nm @ 1200 – 1400 | 300 @ 1600 – 3000 |
| Approx top speed (kph) | 225 | 205 |
| Acceleration (0 – 100 kph) | 7.6 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Tyres / Wheels | 235/50 R18 | |
| Transmission | 7-G DCT 7 speed dual clutch gearbox | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Diesel |
| Length (mm) | 4417 | |
| Width (mm) | 1804 | |
| Height (mm) | 1494 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2699 | |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 183 | |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 1525 | 1585 |
| Perm GVW (kg) | 1940 | 2020 |
| Open luggage capacity behind rear seat (litres) | 421 | |
| Open luggage capacity behind driver’s seat (litres) | 1235 | |
| Turning circle (diameter) | 11.84 meters | |
| Fuel Efficiency under standard test conditions | 13.8 kpl | 17.9 kpl |
Image gallery
