Mercedes-Benz CLA Class

Introduction:

Passion never rises alone but needs the stairs of dedication, this goes right with the electrifying and passionate heirs of the great German emperor Mercedes-Benz. The luxury automaker follows its trend to amaze the world with its each new innovation, and this time the company gives it the name of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The car is a compact four-door luxury coupe, which was showcased at the January 2013 North American International Auto Show. The coupe is based on the Mercedes-Benz W176 A-Class and W246 B-Class platform.

Engine, mileage and variants:

The company wholeheartedly lets you choose between the 5 variants available namely- the CLA 220 CDI, CLA 180, CLA 299 , CLA 180 Blue Efficiency Edition, CLA 250 variants. The most athletic CLA 250 variant is poured-in life by a 1991cc 4-cylinder petrol engine that is integrated with the technologies like high-pressure direct injection that maintains a precise combustion operation at all speeds and the variable valve control results in an optimum cylinder charge level and provide efficient combustion benefits. This finely refined power-plant squeezes out each unit of energy from the fuel to generate a maximum power of 155kW at 5500 rpm and a 350Nm of torque between 1200 to 4000 rpm. This engine hugs the driver adaptive 7G-DCT automatic transmission that gives butter-smooth gear transitions and in-coordination with the engine catapults the sedan to hasten 0-100km/hr of speed in 6.7 seconds. The refinement injected in the engine of the car allows it to cover a stretch of 100km in 6.1 to 6.2 litres of fuel.

Exterior:

Elegance mates graciously with functionality to give a flamboyant and confident look to the desirable sedan. The aerodynamically shaped sedan has got a great appeal for its minutely detailed edges and streamlined body. The well countered LED headlights along with the stylish tail lights make the car look very trendy. Fitted at the centre of the trapezoidal grille the car has its Mercedes Benz logo which gives the car its fascinating charm. The stylish 16 inch alloy rims make a stylish impression for onlookers measuring 205/55 R16. The wide and sleek lookof the car is a feature of the dimensions reading – 4630mm x 1777mm x 1432mm (L x W x H) and a stable wheelbase of 2699mm.

Interiors:

The car is given a particularly ergonomic and solemnly luxurious interiors bathed in the essence of a pleasurable ambiance. The control panel is designed with remarkable excellence and offers a very intuitive way to operate the functions. The infotainment system and the whole control panel display its own glamour with its shinning silver colored dials and red needle inlays. The cockpit also features the leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel and optional Command Online multimedia system. The comfort part of the car is added by the large leather-attired seats, Audio 20 CD system with six speakers and high quality multimedia system, which makes the car a delightful place to live in. These interiors are capacious too and offers a generous boot space of 470 litres.

Safety, braking and miscellaneous:

The car readily takes the responsibility of the safety of its occupants owing to the high-end safety features employed in it. The Mercedes Benz CLA-Class is accurately integrated with a truckload of safety features which includes DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, Collision Prevention Assist, Electronic Stability Program, Adaptive Brake, ABS, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Pre-Safe occupant protection system, and other basic safety systems like airbags and ISOFIX child seat attachments. The CLA-Class car features ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels while solid disc on the rear wheels and the suspension system consisting of spring strut and transverse type at the front axle and the control arm and trailing arm type at the rear axle.

Verdict:

The Mercedes Benz CLA-Class is likely to be one of those cars that gives you the pleasure of driving a sports coupe with the comfort of sitting in a luxurious sedan. Only if Merc could have powered the car more and improved the little under-steer while making fast corners.