What's the news?
The new second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has gone on sale in Ireland, with prices starting from €34,110 for the 180 petrol. The new CLA is now 48mm longer than its predecessor with a 30mm increase in wheelbase to help rear passenger legroom. To give it more presence on the road Mercedes has increased the track width by 63mm on the front and 55mm at the rear.
These increases in size move the CLA's positioning in the market, helping to create some space for the A-Class saloon, which does have quite similar styling. Mercedes-Benz Ireland thinks that the new CLA could steal some sales away from the larger Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series due to its lower price, but BMW is also lining up a new 2 Series Gran Coupe, and this will be a more direct rival for the CLA in time. Like its larger sibling, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the CLA carries many of the same styling traits such as a sloping roofline to give it a more coupe-like profile.
Speaking at the launch of the new CLA, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Ireland, Ciaran, Allen, said: "The arrival of the CLA adds to the cross-generational appeal of Mercedes-Benz, creating what many have come to think of as 'Generation Benz' - style-conscious young male and female drivers for whom design, technology and motoring enjoyment are amongst life's great pleasures.
"With the new CLA, we expect to be even more successful in attracting this generation and, in this way, build a strong presence for Mercedes-Benz beyond its traditional base in an ever-growing segment of the market that was previously the preserve of others," he added.
The new CLA will come in three specification grades, starting with Style, then Progressive and AMG. Each of these grades carries an upgrade cost of between €2,000 and €2,500. Buyers will also have the choice of three different technology packs that group together various options including augmented reality software to improve navigation. All models will feature the MBUX in-car system which includes a voice-activated driver assistance system called 'Hey Mercedes'.
Anything else?
In September 2019 a CLA Shooting Brake estate version will join the offering. Meanwhile, you can read our first drive reviews of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA here: