Mercedes-Benz GLA Class 2014-2017 200 CDI SPORT

The much awaited SUV, GLA Class has arrived in the country's automobile market. It is available in both diesel as well as petrol versions and is built on the same platform as its A and B Class. This Mercedes Benz GLA 200 CDI Sport variant is equipped with a powerful 2.1-litre engine that displaces 2143cc. This motor is capable of producing 134bhp peak power along with a maximum torque output of 300Nm. It is skillfully mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission gearbox with a dual clutch setup. This vehicle has an electro mechanical power steering system that makes handling quite convenient. It is available with three interior color packages for the buyers to select from. While the huge panoramic roof as well as sunroof package are offered as standard. The spacious cabin is packed with many sophisticated aspects like well cushioned seats, air conditioning unit, GPS navigation and many other such aspects. The frontage includes a bold radiator grille with two slats and the large headlamp cluster adds to its appearance. The side profile has a stylish set of alloy wheels and external mirrors. While the rear end is designed with LED tail lamps, wide windscreen and has twin exhaust pipes. This variant includes some crucial safety aspects like attention assist, seven airbags and tyre pressure monitoring sensors that ensures security of its passengers. This vehicle receives a tough competition from BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo V40 Cross Country in the market.

Exteriors:

This variant has a stunning body design and includes styling aspects that enhances its overall appearance. It has a wide radiator grille with two louvres that has matte silver finishing combined with chrome inserts. The trendy headlight cluster is integrated with bi-xenon headlamps as well as day time running lights. The bumper also has matte silver treatment and is fitted with a large air dam that cools the engine quickly. There are a few expressive lines on its sleek bonnet and the windscreen is equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. The side profile looks quite attractive with some remarkable aspects. These include outside rear view mirrors with LED side turn indicators, door handles and roof rails. Its wheels arches are fitted with an elegant set of 18 inch, 5-twin spoke alloy wheels in vanadium silver. These are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 235/50 R18 that offers a superior grip on roads. The rear end includes a windshield, LED third brake light and a boot lid that has the company's emblem embossed on it. Furthermore, it has a bright tail light cluster with LED tail lamps as well as twin exhaust pipes the completes the look of its rear profile.

Interiors:

This variant is blessed with a plush interior cabin that has lots of space and offers enough leg as well as head room to its passengers. It has well cushioned seats that are covered with premium ARTICO upholstery. The cockpit includes a dual tone dashboard in an elegant design, which is fitted with some equipments. These include a sporty steering wheel, instrument cluster and a center console that is equipped with an infotainment system . It also has air conditioning vents with styling elements that makes it look more appealing. The panoramic sliding sunroof is indeed one of its highlights. The cabin includes high grade materials, while the metallic finished plastic strip that runs across the dashboard adds to its stylishness. Besides these, it has some utility based features and includes boot space of around 421 litres, which can be further increased to 1235 litres by folding the rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

The automaker has incorporated this Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 CDI Sport trim with a turbocharged diesel engine that has the ability to displace 2143cc . This 2.1-litre motor has 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is skillfully coupled with an advanced 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission gearbox that transmits torque output to its front wheels. This motor is integrated with a common rail direct injection system. As certified by the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), it can return a maximum mileage of around 17.7 Kmpl, when driven under standard conditions. It has the ability to churn out a peak power of 134bhp in the range of 3600 to 4400rpm. At the same time, it generates a maximum torque output of 300Nm that ranges between 1600 to 3000rpm. This SUV can break the speed mark of 100 Kmph in nearly 9.9 seconds from a standstill and attains a top speed of 205 Kmph, which is impressive.

Braking and Handling:

This trim is incorporated with an efficient suspension system that keeps the vehicle stable on any road conditions. The front as well as rear wheels are fitted with robust disc brakes, which makes its braking system quite reliable. It is further assisted by anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist system as well . On the other hand, it is blessed with an electro mechanical power assisted steering system. It offers good response and supports a minimum turning radius of 11.84 meters.

Comfort Features:

This variant is bestowed with a number of comfort aspects that makes the journey quite enjoyable. It has an advanced infotainment system that allows its passengers to listen to their favorite music. It comes with a 14.7cm touchscreen display and has a Harman Kardon sound system. The front seats are electrically adjustable, while the rear seat has center armrest. It includes an advanced air conditioning unit that helps in regulating the cabin temperature. The stylish instrument panel displays various notifications, which makes it quite convenient for the driver. In addition to these, it has front sun visors, inside rear view mirror, GPS navigation system, center console with inbuilt telephone and audio controls, paddle shifters and a few other such aspects.

Safety Features:

This Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 CDI Sport trim has some important safety aspects. Some of these include seven airbags, brake assist system, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control as well as hill start assist. Apart from these, it includes electric parking brake, electronic stability program, tyre pressure monitoring system and seat belts for all its occupants, which adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Ground clearance is quite good.
2. It has excellent acceleration and pickup.

Cons:

1. There is still scope to make its interiors better.
2. Mileage is not up to the mark.