1,439
The CLA is a four-door saloon with coupe looks but a more practical layout. With its steeply sloping roofline and frameless doors, it’s a distinctive looking car. The AMG-Line models add sporty visual touches for even more eye-catching appeal. The Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 model packs sportscar performance.
Mercedes-Benz gave the CLA firmer suspension for a more sporty and fun drive. You sit low in the car and the steering is precise which improves the driving experience. There’s a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, with most using a smooth automatic gearbox. Front-wheel drive is standard, but there are also four-wheel drive versions for more grip.
With its lower roofline the four-door and four-seat Mercedes-Benz CLA has less headroom than the hatchback A-Class, but there’s a bigger boot with the rear seats in place. Interior quality is high as the CLA features the same upmarket look and feel as all Mercedes-Benz models. There’s a neat tablet-style infotainment screen and climate control, plus it features the brand’s excellent artificial leather seat trim.
Almost all of the petrol and diesel engines offer good fuel economy, while tax bills are similar to rivals. It’s a premium car, but it does hold its value better than mainstream models. Mercedes-Benz also has a range of pre-paid service plans to help keep maintenance costs down. As the CLA shares mechanical components with the A-Class hatchback, it promises to be a dependable choice. The CLA was awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.
The CLA is the saloon version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback with which it shares its engines, structure and interior. With its mix of coupe and four-door design, it falls between the sensible Audi A3 saloon and the two-door only BMW 2 Series. The CLA is very much the stylish choice, while its beautifully finished and well equipped interior looks and feels great.
When it comes to style and quality, there are few small saloons or coupes that can rival the stylish Mercedes-Benz CLA. It’s very well built and benefits from a wide choice of engines, so there’s something for every driving style and budget.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA should prove trouble-free. It’s also packed with the latest safety kit, helping it attain a five-star Euro NCAP score.
A range of efficient engines help make the Mercedes-Benz CLA affordable to run, with the small petrol engines and diesels particularly cost-effective. It won’t cost more to tax and insure than rivals either.
Despite its coupe style the Mercedes-Benz CLA is perfectly practical. Access to the roomy interior is easy thanks to the four-door layout, while the boot is nearly as big as that of the larger C-Class.
The eye-catching CLA strikes a fine balance between the sporty driving appeal of the BMW 2 Series and the comfort of the Audi A3 saloon.
