Mercedes-Benz CLA diesel undecided

Mercedes-Benz Australia wants a diesel for its all-new CLA-Class compact sedan range, due to be released here in the fourth quarter of this year – but which one?

There are two diesel variants in the range. One, which is yet to be launched globally, is a CLA 200 CDI with a 1.8-litre engine developing 100kW and 300Nm. Benz won't even reveal fuel consumption figures for this car yet, although its leisurely acceleration time – 100km/h  from a standing start in 9.4 seconds – has been announced.

The other diesel, which motoring.com.au has already driven, is the CLA 220 CDI – a 2.1-litre four-cylinder variant good for 125kW and 350Nm to deliver an 8.2-second 0-100km/h time and fuel consumption of between 4.2 and 4.5L/100km.

Given that this variant is only offered with Benz's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it seems the stronger prospect for Australia, since the 1.8-litre CLA 200 CDI is only officially available with a six-speed manual transmission. That's not to say, of course, that Benz won't dig up a seven-speed DCT for that engine once it arrives in global markets.

According to Jerry Stamoulis, Manager of Corporate Communications for the prestige brand in Australia, “we're still working out which diesel we can offer.” The choice remains “TBD”.

However, it is certain the range for Australia will consist of CLA 200, CLA 250 and CLA 45 AMG. Australia won't be taking the CLA 180 models that open up the range in other markets. Stamoulis also says we probably won't see 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) versions in the local market.

“Most likely not... it's not available initially,” he told motoring.com.au. “Because it will add cost to the vehicle we don't think there'll be much demand for it.”

The CLA 250 will be available in Australia with an AMG pack, but won't get the AMG-tweaked suspension that the A 250 Sport does.

There is also talk within Benz – as yet unresolved – that there will be a CLA 250 Sport with some suspension honing by AMG, but Stamoulis cautioned against putting too much credence in the rumours at this stage.

The CLA 200 and 250 will be powered by direct-injected petrol four-cylinder powerplants, the 1.6-litre unit in the CLA 200 rated at 115kW and 250Nm, achieving between 5.5 and 5.7L/100km in the NEDC combined-cycle test. In contrast, the 2.0-litre engine of the CLA 250 produces 155kW and 350Nm, for a combined-cycle test figure of between 6.1 and 6.2L/100km.

Both cars are expected to sell below the luxury car tax threshold, but even should the cost of optional features take the transaction price above $60,000 the cars' sub-7.0L/100km fuel consumption provides dispensation from the tax up to a price of $75,000.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…