Prices have been announced for the new A-Class-based Mercedes CLA four-door coupe. Two engines and two trim levels (Sport and AMG Sport) will be offered initially, with the cheapest model – a CLA 180 Sport – starting from £24,355.
The CLA 220 CDI Sport will cost £29,355, while upgrading to AMG Sport will cost £2,200 regardless of which engine you go for.
Powered by a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, the CLA 180 returns 50.4mpg and covers 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds. The CLA 220 CDI is fitted with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard and uses a 168bhp 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel capable of returning 62.8mpg, despite a brisk 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds.
Standard equipment on the Sport model includes comfort suspension, 18-inch alloys, leather sports seats and a multi-function steering wheel. Go for the AMG Sport model and you get sports suspension, AMG bodystyling and five-spoke, 18-inch AMG wheels.
For an extra £1,970 on Sport models and £1,640 for Sport AMG variants, you can order an exclusive package that adds a leather dash, velour mats and heated front seats. Five optional metallic paints are available, as well as a matt-finish Magno Polar Silver for £1,480 and Patagonia red for £1,790.
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I'm not sure on the engines that Mercedes has decided to start off with, the petrol's underpowered and the diesel's only got an automatic. Also, the CLA is supposedly positioned beneath the C-Class, so why is the diesel CLA 220 CDI £2k more than a C 220 CDI diesel!?
Very overpriced compared to the C-Class, you're right. Also 120hp, all show and no go for £26,500 in prettier trim, no thanks Mr Benz.
I can see silhouette of an A3 saloon appearing in the CLA's rear view mirror.
What is it with designers? Here's another car with hugely dented doors as a styling feature.
Somebody at Mercedes really needs to learn how to iron. Why do you need so many creases on the side? That, and the front end which looks like it inhales infants for lunch, aside, this will sell well to those who want to drive a mini-CLS.
CLA will undoubtedly provoke all of those who are stuck in the world of Russian Babushka style of cars, like Audi, where a 2cm drop of a bumber, fender, etc..is the way how to create a new model...A1,2..33.....99...I am constantly reminded about the English cousine and taste in the nation is very close to that I am afraid...CLA - art, freedom, beauty and excellence!
Shockingly over priced, and therefore difficult to know why anyone in their right mind would buy it - particularly with the weird styling. Mercedes are definitely living on borrowed time - as they won't be able to charge a premium on such basic cars, based solely on the badge, for too many more years to come - they're raking it in while they can.