Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 2013 Review

This is the car that Mercedes-Benz believes will bring a whole new generation into the fold. The all-new CLA 200 is not only Mercedes-Benz’s most affordable ‘four-door coupe’, with a $49,900 starting price, but it also features styling and packaging that is aimed to appeal to a more youthful audience than ever.

And early indications are the car has hit the mark.

Launched this week Down Under and commanding a substantial price premium over the equivalent A-Class hatch models with which it shares its mechanicals and platform, the CLA is already a sell-out success.

Mercedes-Benz Australia executives say dealers are holding up to 800 pre-orders for CLA models and that 2014 projections see demand likely to outstrip supply by between 500-1000 units.

That number will include those desirous of two extra CLA models yet to debut: the super-frugal CLA 200 CDI turbo-diesel (due February 2014) and perhaps the pick of the CLA bunch, the 250 Sport – a 155kW front-drive hotshoe with a GTI-baiting heart due in April. The range-topping CLA 45 was also launched this week and waiting lists are already out to April.

For the time being therefore, the CLA 200 is not only the entry-level CLA, it’s likely the only CLA you’ll be able to walk in and buy off the floor. Our initial impressions indicate that’s no real hardship...

Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre direct-injected petrol four matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox, the 200 is resolutely front-drive only – like its hatch counterpart. Power and torque figures are reasonable at 115kW and 250Nm, and the 0-100km/h dash time is a respectable 8.5 seconds. It’s frugal too, quoting an ADR Combined economy figure of just 5.7L/100km.

Underneath, the CLA sedan and A-Class hatch roll on the same ‘MFA’ architecture – a chassis component set that is also used for the B-Class and the ‘next-big-thing’ Benz, the GLA compact SUV. Eventually, a CLA Shooting Brake mini-estate will complete the family.

Yet, thanks to a blend of extra equipment and the change in body style, even a short drive is enough to tip you to the different feel and function of Benz’s smallest sedan.

Like the hatch, the CLA 200 is a well mannered and wieldy car that can be driven with real verve when the spirit moves you, yet doesn’t provide too many compromises to comfort around town. In the case of the CLA, however, there’s an extra level of refinement that seems to be gifted to the car thanks to its ‘three-box’ packaging.

There’s a quality to the sound pressures in the cabin that is very different to the hatch. Exhaust and road noise are down a notch or two (at least that’s the impression, we haven’t measured the difference!) and wind noise is almost uncannily absent. Given it’s claimed to be the world’s most aerodynamic production car (Volkswagen says the honour goes to XL1), it’s no surprise the CLA slips through the air so discreetly.

Without driving the cars back-to-back it’s impossible to state categorically that on-road manners differ between the A-Class and CLA-Class, but the balance of the CLA also seems a little more ‘grown up’. It changes direction readily, never feels ‘understeery’ or front-heavy and is just a touch more settled in doing so. Factors at force here are a slight increase in mass and variations in weight distribution and suspension settlings. The CLA’s tail is longer but wheelbase and track numbers are unchanged.

We sampled two versions of the 200, a near-standard car and another fitted with the lower suspension which comes as part of the ‘Edition One’ special launch pack. In comfort, practical and performance terms there was little to separate the two. The 1.6-litre turbo fours in both were willing powerplants that prove downsizing can work if the right engineering principles are adhered to.

There’s a good amount of torque available for overtaking and even after some city work and a spirited country drive the trip computers had our consumption in the very low 8.0L/100km range. Indeed, the only hiccup at first flush is the engine/gearbox’s reluctance from a standing start. It takes a fair amount of throttle opening and just a little anticipation to counter step-off turbo lag and the dual-clutch transmission’s ‘thinking time’ away from a red light or intersection.

Even before additional option packages are chosen, the CLA 200 commands a hefty $9000 premium over its hatch counterpart. In part, Benz justifies this extra cost on the basis of adding Becker MapPilot navigation, a reversing camera, leather-look Artico seat surfacing and a blind spot assistance system as standard kit.

Otherwise the CLA equipment list is similar to the five-door’s. It rolls on 18-inch five/twin-spoke alloy wheels, features fixed bi-xenon headlights, a black diamond grille, power-folding mirrors, LED tail-lights, active park assist with Parktronic (90-degree and parallel self-parking), twin exhaust outlets and Thermotronic climate-control. For more details on the mechanicals and standard safety kit, check out our international launch review.

Perhaps therefore the only chink in the CLA armour is, ironically, the body design that sets it apart from its A-Class and B-Class counterparts. The swoopy ‘four-door coupe’ lines of the CLA definitely compromise rear-seat access and head room.

The latter is especially the case when a sunroof is optioned, but anyone taller than 178cm is going to notice the lack of rear head room, even if leg room is adequate and the rear seat itself is well shaped for two. Access also requires attention and a reasonable amount of flexibility thanks to the diving rear window header. At least the boot is capacious – probably more practical than the hatch’s luggage space if you’re travelling with four onboard.

As an aside, we loved the CLA’s frameless door treatment – a unique coupe-style touch (though some Subaru Liberty owners may argue that point!)

In the end, however, criticising the CLA for these packaging foibles is probably pointless. If you need better sedan-style accommodation in a still-compact German four-door, your local Benz burgher will happily steer you to the C-Class counter; and there’s an even more practical B-Class this way sir...

What the CLA does very successfully is deliver a serious injection of style into the compact and affordable end of the prestige spectrum. As suggested in my intro, CLA will likely be the first Mercedes-Benz for many buyers. It’s clearly the three-pointed star brand’s fervent wish that it won’t be their last.

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