Mercedes-Benz GLA or CLA?

Mercedes-Benz GLA or CLA? Both the same price, but which is the better car? And is the 1.5-litre engine too small for that size of car? It's getting really expensive by the time you go up to the 2.1-litre versions.

Any advice?

Aine Nerney (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Aine,

CLA for my money. The GLA is nice, and obviously a bit more practical, but it doesn't feel special enough to justify the price tag. 

The CLA on the other hand looks terrific and is really sweet to drive. The small diesel engine is fine - not the quickest ever or anything but it'll do and a realistic 65mpg will make up for any straight-line deficiencies.

One thing - make sure you spec the smallest wheels and the tyres with the deepest possible sidewalls. The CLA rides pretty hard and big wheels with low profile tyres make it really uncomfortable.

Further reading:

Review of the Mercedes-Benz CLA (on Irish roads)

Review of the Mercedes-Benz GLA (on Irish roads)

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe