Mercedes-Benz GLA Class 200 Sport

Mercedes Benz has finally launched its all new GLA Class SUV in the Indian car market with both petrol and diesel engine options. It will give a tough competition to Audi Q3, BMW X1, Volvo V40 Cross Country and others in this segment. This Mercedes Benz GLA 200 Sport trim is powered by a 2.0-litre engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1991cc. It can churn out a maximum power and torque output of 181.03bhp and 300Nm respectively. It is mated with a seven speed automatic transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. This SUV has an advanced braking and suspension mechanism. The braking mechanism is further enhanced by anti lock braking system along with brake assist function. It also has anti slip regulation and ESP with dynamic assist for keeping the vehicle stable at all times. Its exteriors are designed with a bold radiator grille, which is fitted with a couple of grey colored slats. The neatly crafted headlight cluster is incorporated with high intensity bi-xenon headlamps with day time running lights. The bumper is accompanied by cladding that prevents the vehicle from any minor damage. On the other hand, its interiors has a lot of sophisticated features, which makes it one of the most luxurious SUV in its segment. The seats are well cushioned and covered with ARTICO leather upholstery with top stitching, which gives it a classy appearance. Apart from these, it is blessed with a lot of comprehensive active safety features, which makes it one of the safest SUV, while off-roading.

Exteriors:

Its side profile has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable and integrated with a LED side turn indicator. It also has grey colored widow sill and roof rails. Its neatly crafted wheel arches comes with cladding and are fitted with an elegant set of 18-inch five spoke light alloy wheels, which are painted in Vanadium Silver. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 235/50 R18 . It also has a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. The rear end has a dual tone bumper, which is accompanied by a couple of chrome plated exhaust pipes. Its expressive boot lid is embossed with variant badging and fitted with a thick chrome strip. It has a wrap around LED tail light cluster and a sporty rear spoiler with LED high mounted stop lamp. The large windscreen has a wash and wipe function along with a defogger. The frontage has a macho looking radiator grille that is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. It has a couple of silver painted louvers. This grille is flanked by a large headlight cluster, which is integrated with bi-xenon headlamps and fiber-optic day time running lights. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam and is surrounded fog lamps.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 Sport variant are designed with ambient lighting. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats that have adjustable head restraints. There are electrically adjustable driver and front co-passenger seats, front and rear center armrests that adds to the convenience. These seats provide ample leg space for all occupants and are covered with ARTICO leather upholstery with top stitching. Other aspects include a panoramic sliding sunroof, all four power windows with driver side up and down function, storage compartment in all doors, rear center arm rest with cup holders , sun visors with vanity mirrors, outside temperature display, and assist grips. At the same time, its chrome finished steering wheel, inside door handles and AC vents gives the cabin a classy look. The advanced instrument panel is blessed with a number of warning and notifications, which keeps the driver updated. The free standing Central Media Display comes with high gloss black finish.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can displace 1991cc. This four cylinder based mill is incorporated with a direct injection fuel supply system. It can churn out a maximum power of 181.03bhp at 5500rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 300Nm between 1200 to 40000rpm. It is cleverly mated with a seven speed automatic gear box with dual clutch transmission. This powerful motor has the capacity of propelling this vehicle from zero to 100 Kmph in just about 7.6 seconds. At the same time, it can attain a breathtaking top speed of 225 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

Its front and rear axles are assembled with a proficient suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced at all times. On the other hand, the front and rear wheels are equipped with a set of disc brakes. This braking mechanism is further augmented by ABS along with brake assist system. It also has anti slip regulation (ASR), electronic stability program (ESP) with curve dynamic assist, hill start assist and electric parking brake. This variant is blessed with a responsive power steering system, which makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. It supports a minimum turning radius of 11.84 meters.

Comfort Features:

This luxurious SUV is incorporated with some best in class features that gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. For in-car entertainment, it is bestowed with an advanced music system , which that has CD/MP3 player, dual tuner, USB interface, Aux-in socket and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a touchscreen display, which supports GPS navigation. The leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel is mounted with audio, cruise and call control buttons. Its efficient air conditioning unit has rear AC vents along with dust and pollen filter. In addition to these, it also has cruise control, rear parking sensors along with reverse camera, speed sensitive volume control, ECO start/stop function, boot lighting, retractable load compartment cover and cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.

Safety Features:

The list of protective aspects available in this Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 Sport trim includes seven airbags, seat occupancy sensor for front co-passenger, adjustable head restraints, rear doors with child safety locks, infrared remote control with visible locking verification signal and central locking system with interior switch and crash sensor. It has an electronic engine immobilizer that prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. Apart from these , it is also bestowed with ESP with anti slip regulation, attention assist function, tyre pressure loss warning system, crash responsive emergency lighting, ISOFIX child seat mounting and brake pad wear indicator.

Pros:

1. Stylish exteriors with striking features.

2. Decent ground clearance is an advantage.

Cons:

1. Cost of maintenance and spares is quite high.

2. There is still scope of improving its Interior design.