Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mercedes CLA (Mk1, 2013-2019) review - What's it like to drive?

Diesels are efficient but gruff, while the smoother petrol engines serve up performance ranging from lively to sensational

Out on the road, the CLA delivers good grip in corners and the steering is progressive and well weighted. Factor in positive turn-in and taut body control, and the Mercedes feels sportier and sharper than its main rival, the Audi A3 Saloon, although it lacks the nimble, rear-wheel-drive feel of a BMW.

Engines

The Mk1 Mercedes CLA is available with three petrol engines: a 1.6-litre turbo in the CLA 180, a 2.0-litre turbo in the CLA 250 AMG, or a 351bhp 2.0-litre turbo in the flagship Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.

The entry-level version has 122bhp and delivers lively performance, reaching 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds. The 2.0-litre petrol makes 218bhp in the CLA 250 AMG and feels a lot faster, completing the benchmark sprint in a very respectable 6.5 seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Meanwhile, the flagship AMG version will beat some serious sports cars with its 4.2-second 0-62mph time. The AMG CLA 45 was updated in 2016 to bring it in line with the A45 AMG with an impressive 376bhp and 475Nm of torque from its turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Diesel buyers get the choice of Mercedes’ tried and trusted 2.1-litre engine with 136bhp in the CLA 200 d or 177bhp in the CLA 220 d. Unfortunately, while both diesels are efficient, they sound pretty gruff compared to those in rivals from Audi or BMW. Still, performance is decent, especially from the 220 d version, which covers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds. The 200 d takes 9.5 seconds.

There’s also the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel engine in the CLA 180 d. It offers reasonable performance, but a 0-62mph time of 11.6 seconds means it needs working hard to get the best from it, which will put a dent in the fuel economy.

On the road

There is a downside to the CLA’s sharp handling, though, and that’s pretty poor ride quality. Thanks to its stiff suspension settings, the way the car thumps over broken surfaces becomes tiring. This is a shame, given that the cabin is well insulated from wind and road noise.

Other gripes concern the seven-speed automatic transmission, which can sometimes take a frustratingly long time to respond and change ratios.

If you opt for a 4MATIC drivetrain with the CLA 250 AMG or CLA 45 AMG, expect to find eye-opening traction but little in the way of added driver engagement. AMG Line models also come with firmer suspension, which passengers might find uncomfortable.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,157
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025