Mercedes drives in the new CLA compact sedan

With the competition in the entry-level luxury segment heating up and the choice being expanded by new entrants into the price segment, carmakers are constantly trying to woo buyers with model upgrades. Though it is quite late into the year, Mercedes-Benz India has just pulled the wraps off the latest CLA sedan, a model that oozes character. The option to choose between petrol and diesel engines is a key feature for markets like the National Capital Region, where legislation against diesel could still leave luxury car buyers stranded. This is the 12th model to be launched by the Indian subsidiary this year.

With its classic coupe proportions: a high, stretched waistline, flat window surfaces and a long bonnet, makes the CLA a signature Merc design. The expressive lines combined with both concave and convex surfaces give the CLA its avant-garde, sporty character and creates varied light effects. Keeping with its innovative design, the CLA is now also available in Cavansite blue as well as other innovative finishes. The CLA’s aerodynamic design helps to achieve a co-efficient of drag of 0.25 — the lowest of any production car in the world.

According to Merc’s statement, in addition to the striking look, the LED High Performance headlamps provide more safety at night thanks to a broad light distribution, a light colour similar to daylight and low energy consumption. The tail lights feature LED technology and create a visual highlight while improving visibility. The CLA is offered with 43.2 cm (17-inch) 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy Wheels painted in tremolite grey and with a high-sheen finish.

The official Mercedes-Benz statement also mentions that the sporty character of the new CLA’s exterior is reflected in the interior by an emphasis on horizontal lines. The adoption of design features such as the resumption of the dynamic sideline in the door panels forms a link between the outside and inside. High-grade materials and first-class workmanship meet the high expectations of an extraordinary coupe. The driver’s and the passenger seat now get memory function for storing the seat position. There is also the 20-CD audio system with the 8-inch high-resolution media display. A new smartphone integration package includes compatibility for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control.

The new CLA has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and includes a whole complement of safety features as part of standard equipment. The new CLA 200 Sport features the 1,991cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 184hp of power and 300Nm of torque. The diesel engine option is available in the CLA 200d Sport, which sports the 2,143cc, 4-cylinder unit producing a peak power of 136hp and peak torque of 300Nm. The engines are paired with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission offered with four selectable drive modes under the Drive Select package.

The CLA comes with affordable and convenient service packages. Star Ease Maintenance package for the CLA 200 starts at just ₹49,000 and for the CLA 200 d at ₹63,000 only. In addition to the 3 year warranty, customers can avail extended warranty for 4th year at a price of ₹38,000. Prices for the new CLA range from ₹31.4 lakh to ₹34.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

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