Prices up for upgraded Mercedes CLA

Mercedes-Benz has released its facelifted CLA-Class sedan and wagon in Australia, where it will cost at least $1100 more than before.

First seen at the New York motor show in March, the revised four-door CLA 'Coupe' and Shooting Brake come with new exterior designs and interior equipment.

Echoing the changes seen on the 2016 A-Class range on sale here since January, the 2016 CLA upgrade is headlined by a new 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Now priced from $52,500 plus on-road costs (up $1100), the CLA line-up continues to open with the CLA 200 sedan, which gains fixed LED headlights, DAB+ digital radio, DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, ambient lighting and a diamond grille design.

The same changes apply to the $1500-dearer CLA 200 Shooting Brake (up $1600 to $54,000), which also retains its 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine but adds HANDS-FREE ACCESS, KEYLESS-GO and an EASY-PACK tailgate.

For 2016, the CLA 220d sedan ($53,900 – up $2000) scores the same extras plus an upgraded 130kW/350Nm turbo-diesel four that produces 30kW and 50Nm more but still consumes just 4.2L/100km. The wagon version is $2500 pricier at $55,400.

Next come the CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC sedan and wagon, now priced at a respective $67,600 and $68,600. For the extra $2200, both models bring the same 160kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

There are no equipment additions to the CLA 250, which continues to come with 18-inch AMG wheels, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, a Panoramic glass sunroof, Sports Seats in Black RED CUT Leather, powered/heated front seats and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

Rounding out the range are the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC sedan and wagon tearaways, which at $92,215 now cost $2715 more than before.

Upgrades include the MY16 A 45 hot-hatch's higher-output 280kW/475Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine (up from 265kW/450Nm), bringing their 0-100km/h claims to 4.2 sec for the sedan and 4.3 for the wagon.

Standard equipment for both range-topping small cars includes 19-inch AMG alloys, AMG Driver’s Package, AMG performance exhaust, AMG high-performance braking system, AMG Performance Seats, COMAND Online Navigation and a Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound.

All CLAs continue to come with nine airbags, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE, Parking Pilot, ATTENTION ASSIST and an active bonnet, while the AMGS add Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and Lane Keeping Assist.

“Since their respective launches, the CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake have helped to redefine public perception of our brand, and proven highly successful additions to the Mercedes-Benz line up,” said Horst von Sanden, CEO and Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific.

"The new models further enhance the extremely progressive and unmistakable design, while providing even greater value and technology for our customers.”

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing (plus on-road costs):
200 Coupe – $52,500 (up $1100)
220d Coupe – $53,900 (up $2000)
250 Sport 4MATIC Coupe – $67,600 (up $2200)
45 4MATIC Coupe – $92,215 (up $2715)
200 Shooting Brake – $54,000 (up $1600)
220d Shooting Brake – $55,400 (up $2500)
250 Sport 4MATIC Shooting Brake – $68,600 (up $2200)
45 4MATIC Shooting Brake – $92,215 (up $2715)