Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first details of its A-Class based CLA four-door coupé. Described by the firm as being inspired by its CLS relation, the stunning new car has the good looks to ensure it's a big hit.
Exterior
With its pillar-less profile and heavily sculpted flanks the CLA is a real head turner. The rear is very reminiscent of the larger CLS, while a prominent front with pin-headed grille (on Sport models) and contoured bonnet show real flair.
Interior
Five circular vents dominate the tidily styled dashboard, and the CLA features a high-mounted screen for the numerous infotainment settings. Sharing its high-quality materials and fit and finish with its A-Class relation the rakish windscreen and low seating position will add to the car's sporting feel. Space will be at a premium though, that tapering roofline certain to mean it's tight on headroom.
Mechanicals
Like the A-Class that it's based on the CLA sends its power to the front wheels, the front suspension a MacPherson set-up and the rear a multi-link trailing arm system. Two chassis options are offered, the Sport set up lowering the ride height by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear. Four engine choices will initially be offered (though yet to be confirmed for the Irish market), two petrol units of 1.6- and 2.0-litre capacities and a pair of turbodiesels in 2.0- and 2.2-litre sizes. The petrol cars will be badged CLA 180 and 250 respectively, the smaller delivering 122hp and the CLA 250 outputting 211hp. The diesels produce 136- and 170hp, and are badged CLA 200 CDI and CLA 220 CDI. CO2 output for the 220 is just 109g/km and a combined economy figure of over 62mpg (4.6 litres/100km) is quoted.
Helping achieve that is a standard stop-start system, working on both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic cars.
Anything else?
The CLA comes with Mercedes-Benz's most up-to-date connectivity system, with seamless iPhone integration via Drive Kit Plus allowing real-time location sharing, web-based traffic information and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety equipment is extensive too, all CLAs coming with Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist - which can carry out automated braking at speeds up to 200km/h.