Mercedes CLA spied

The Mercedes CLA is taking shape, and we've caught the A-Class-based saloon testing.

 

These images show the CLA, which is a four-seat saloon that’s basically a shrunken version of the CLS, will keep the main design cues of the CSC concept that was revealed at the Beijing Motor Show in April. 

 

Clearly visible are the show car’s sweeping lights and grille, which is expected to offer the same chrome dot-matrix design as the Mercedes A-Class. There’s also a heavily disguised bumper that shrouds the same 

aggressive design as the concept.

 

The profile also features the bold, downward swooping waistline of the Beijing car, and while the door handles are more practical, the show car’s blacked-out B-pillars, which gives the car a sportier coupe look, remain. While these images only show the edge of the panoramic glass roof the show car used, it’s easy to spot the integrated bootlid spoiler, as well as the sculpted rear bumper. The 21-inch alloys, of course, are dispensed with for practical reasons.

 

The CLA will feature a bold cabin design that includes an integrated iPad and Mercedes’ ‘always on’ cloud technology, with backlit air-vents and a sculpted rear centre console, which makes it a strickt four-seater. The panoramic roof will extend to the rear, allowing light in above the rear passengers.

 

Under the bonnet will be a 211bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder with direct injection, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. A range of diesel and petrol engines will be offered when the CLA goes on sale, including the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and 1.8-litre diesel engines. 

 

The Mercedes CLA is expected to arrive in 2014 priced from £25,000.