If you like the idea of a small Mercedes but don’t want a hatchback or saloon, then the Mercedes-Benz CLA is sure to grab your attention. Offered in 2 striking body styles, the CLA backs up its arresting looks with the high quality, impressive tech and enjoyable driving experience that defines Mercedes-Benz cars.
Great to look at.
Great to drive.
Plenty of tech and comfort.
The compromise in opting for a CLA Coupe or Shooting Brake over the more conventional A-Class is in how much space you get inside. All models offer plenty of room for the driver and front passenger, but passengers in the rear will have to make do with cosier accommodations.
The boot space offers up to 460 litres of luggage space (390 in the hybrid). The Shooting Brake offers even more, at 505 litres (445 for the hybrid). Those figures are better than any A-Class, as well as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The most efficient petrol engines are the base 1.3-litre turbocharged offerings – both return around 46mpg. The 2.0-litre petrol engines are offered in 224, 306 and 421hp, and their consumption figures are 41.6, 34.9 and 32.2mpg respectively. The slightly heavier Shooting Brake models consume around 1mpg more across the board.
The diesel posts an impressive 56.5mpg – but first prize goes to the plug-in hybrid, which manages 282.5mpg. As ever with efficiency figures, real-world results will depend heavily on how much of your regular commute plays to the strengths of the hybrid system. Short trips where you make the most of the 44-mile electric range will yield the best returns. Charging the battery from a standard wall socket will take 5-and-a-half hours. A wallbox lowers that time to slightly less than 2 hours.
German rivals for the CLA come in the form of the sporty BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and, to a lesser extent, the Audi A3 Saloon. Both are accomplished but fall short of providing a serious challenge.
Stronger competition is found closer to home from the A-Class Hatchback and Saloon. Both offer the same range of engines and options but with more space for rear passengers. Many still prefer the CLA thanks to its stunning good looks, above-average boot space and a driving experience that belies its entry-level status in the Mercedes range.
Mercedes isn’t in the business of making unreliable vehicles and the CLA has proven to be a reliable vehicle so far. However, it’s too new to predict whether it will continue to be trouble-free. To set your mind at ease, all Mercedes-Benz cars are offered with a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty as standard.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe offers 460 litres of boot space while the Shooting Brake is even more spacious at 505 litres. With its rear seats lowered you get 1370 litres in total. These figures are better than most rivals. The plug-in hybrids lose around 50 litres on these quoted figures, due to the packaging requirements of the battery pack.
There are 8 trims in total. All CLA models come standard with an AMG Line package – the trims are differentiated by engine options and each model can be equipped further with additional packages.
Yes, all models come with parking sensors and a reversing camera system.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers plenty of space up front and in the boot, but most rivals have more space in the rear – especially if you need to seat 3.
It really comes down to its good looks – and the fact it’s a Mercedes. As with all Mercedes cars, the CLA has a great interior, an impressive engine range and sporty driving dynamics – and that’s what makes it so hard to hand back once the lease is over. A problem easily solved by just leasing another one.
Leasing a Mercedes-Benz CLA is hassle free with Vanarama. We help you find the perfect vehicle at the very best price. It’s affordable, simple and you’re not left with a depreciating vehicle at the end of your contract. Upgrade your car with one of our car leasing deals today.
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