The Garage – Mercedes Benz GLA 200 CDI

The three-pointed-star of a Mercedes-Benz signifies quality, German engineering and luxury – this week in the EFTM Garage we’ve got one of the more recent additions to the Mercedes stable – the GLA 200 CDI – is it a hatch, or a mini SUV or something in between?

Make: Mercedes-Benz

Model: GLA 200

Variant: CDI

Engine: 2,143cc, 4 Cylinder Deisel

Transmission: 7G-DCT 7 Speed Automatic

Vital Stats: 100kW

Torque: 300Nm

Mercedes Claimed Fuel Economy: 4.6l/100km

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 5.9/100km

MRRP Price: $47,900

As-Driven options: Metallic Paint $1,190, “Comand” Package $2,490, AMG Line Package $2,490, Seat Comfort Package $990, 19″ AMG Twin Spoke Wheels $490, Panoramic Electric Sunroof $1,490

As-Driven MRRP: $57,040

Wow Factor: This thing looks the part – its got a wide looking stance, and it screams rugged yet classy, the stance on the road, the look of it in motion is a drawcard you can’t avoid

Most Impressive: Mercedes jumping into this space indicates how seriously they take it, so the very fact Merc have taken their A-Class hatch and given it a rugged SUV look is what impresses.

Not So Impressive: It’s not all-wheel-drive so in reality it’s a suped-up hatch.  And the Diesel engine in the CDI is loud and clunky – especially with the automatic stop-start at the lights.

Early Verdict: Great looking car, but we wouldn’t buy the diesel option – look forward to driving a petrol variant.