Mercedes-Benz has launched the facelifted version of the CLA within two years of its launch and apart from the regulation nips and tucks, there are a few more add-ons. So here then is an up close look at new Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Yes, Mercedes has finally added the pristine Blue to the CLA and its looks fabulous and so does the ‘Road and Track’ package that is seen in the picture above. The air dam has been reworked with the centre grille growing wider. The headlamps internals are new but carry the same old signature DRLs.
The hood gets thick chequered flag stripe in the centre with a red highlight stripe flanking on each side and it gets number 1 splashed across the face like a race car. The bumper lip gets chrome treatment for the Road and Track package and is black for the standard car.
The decals are spread on the profile as well with the race number pasted on the front doors on either side. The twin-slat five-spoke alloys on this car are in addition to the package but the red hub-caps are a part of it. The standard car gets the petal shaped alloy wheels which look classy.
The stripes extend across the roof to the boot-lid which gets a carbon-fibre lid-spoiler for style as well as aerodynamics. As you can see, while the tail lamp shape has been retained, the internals have been reworked. The CLA still has one of the best looking rears amongst Mercedes cars.
The interior has been carried over and the soft touch plastics on the top of the dashboard feel quite premium. The tablet infotainment screen, a grid of buttons for telephony and the old COMAND unit do remind you of the older car. The R&T package gets sporty pedals.
The cabin is a plush place to be with all the leather upholstery and luxury features. It gets an electrically operated sunroof as standard, electric seats with memory function and electric mirrors along with steering mounted audio controls and cruise control.
The CLA is compact and if there are large people in the front, the space in the back is going to be cramped. The boot size is decent thought and can carry quite a good amount of luggage. The CLA interiors are offered in beige or black in contrast to the exterior colour you choose.
It gets the same engine options as before, the 136bhp 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine and the 156bhp 1.6-litre turbo-petrol. Both the engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that powers the front wheels. The performance variant, CLA 45 AMG, is expected sooner than later.
