The GLA 250 4MATIC is an impressive example of design and engineering from Mercedes-Benz, writes Craig Donaldson
Mercedes-Benz’s GLA range has to be one of the nicest additions to the compact suv segment – one of the most competitive in the automotive marketplace today. Progressively beautiful in design, serenely composed in handling and a simple pleasure to drive, the GLA is everything a compact SUV should be at the premium end of its class.
On the road
The GLA is available in three variants: the diesel 200 CDI, the petrol GLA 250 4MATIC and the top-of-the-range GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC. It is the GLA 250 4MATIC which provides potential buyers with arguably the best bang for their buck in the range. With an entry price of $58,600, this model comes with a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which generates a punchy 155kW of power and respectable 350Nm of torque. With a 0–100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, the power curve is seamlessly smooth, while the combined fuel consumption figure is a frugal 7.1 litres per 100km.
As a compact SUV, it has a shorter wheelbase and is less imposing than its larger SUV siblings and is ideally suited to the day-to-day urban lifestyle. On the road, the GLA 250 is superlatively comfortable and amenable to most driving conditions. It’s also got all one could want for a practical driving experience in the city, such as a sharp turning circle, great all-round visibility and a bucketload of advanced assistance systems. These include Active Parking Assist, which guides the car into parking spaces when required, as well as drowsiness detection, lane tracking, and blind spot and collision prevention systems that help keep driver and passenger(s) safe at speed.
Appealing design
One of the nicest things about this car is its design, and as far as compact SUVs go, the GLA range is certainly one of the more visually appealing. With its smooth, flowing and sculpted lines, bookended by bright “trifunctional fibre-optic” LED daytime running lamps at the front and striking divided LED tail lights, the GLA trumps all its premium SUV competitors in the looks department. Overall, it’s a nice balance of beauty and practicality.
These smooth lines also improve aerodynamic efficiency (and also contribute to low fuel consumption), and the GLA is the aerodynamic leader in its segment with a Cd value of 0.29. Everything from the front bumper to the rear roof spoiler lip have been streamlined for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Even the underbody panelling has been reworked to improve the flow of air beneath the car, and this is just another impressive example of Mercedes’ attention to detail in the GLA 250 4MATIC.
Inside the GLA
The meticulousness continues on the inside of the GLA, which also boasts a more modern and luxurious interior than competitors, such as Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1. The seats are comfortable and plush, offering good side support and plenty of adjustment options. Seat upholsteries are available in three styles – leather, fabric and fabric/leather – while sports seats with integrated head restraints are offered as an optional extra.
High-grade materials are used throughout the rest of the interior, and all trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow, resulting in a nice metallic finish. The dashboard has a matt satin wood trim finish and five round silver air vents integrated into it, which adds to the modern look interior. In the middle of the dash is an electronic display, which is home to a multimedia system that features new functions, additional apps and a modified colour scheme. This system allows for seamless integration with iPhones, so drivers can access Siri voice control as well as real-time location sharing with selected contacts. Additional functions include Facebook, Twitter, internet radio, AUPEO! Personal Radio and an advanced navigation system from Garmin with internet-based real-time traffic information, an online POI search function and a 3D map display. And this is all standard – not optional.
Overall, the GLA 250 4MATIC is an impressive example of design and engineering from Mercedes-Benz, and it lifts the competitive bar to a new high for premium compact SUVs.
Image source: supplied
