Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class to unveil at 2014 Indian Auto Expo

Mercedes-Benz will further enhance its compact line-up by introducing the all-new CLA-Class in the Indian car market by the end of 2014. Like Audi A3, the company aims to target young entrepreneur across the country with its new CLA compact premium sedan. The vehicle will be unveiled during next year's Indian Auto Expo. To be positioned between the A-Class and C-Class, the new saloon is expected to be priced around Rs. 23-27 lakh.

Based on the new Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform, the CLA sedan will share most of its components with the A-Class hatchback. It is expected to be made available in both standard and AMG trims. The front fascia of the sedan looks similar to the new A-Class, while the overall contour appear to be similar like its bigger sibling, the CLS.

Internationally, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is being offered in both petrol and diesel versions. The CLA 250 gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor developing 208bhp and 350Nm, while the CLA 220 CDI is powered by the 2.2-litre motor that churns out 167bhp and 350Nm of torque. For the Indian market, the vehicle is expected to carryover the A-Class engine line-up comprising of a 2.2-litre petrol engine producing 107bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel motor developing 120bhp. Both engines will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which transmits power to their front wheels. The company could also look at the possibility of introducing a four-wheel drive CLA45 AMG version in the coming year.

CLA compact sedan will be equipped with several premium features such as panoramic roof, radar based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist, blind spot assist, a choice of multimedia system and amongst several others.