Car evaluation: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

This impressive new Mercedes is an energetic, sporty drive – but it does take a bit of acquiring utilized to, writes motor reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

Occasionally a pair of new shoes feels just right.

No blisters ever seem and they soon grow to be your go-to decision of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Other people lead to you a small discomfort at initial – but, after worn in, you really feel as although you’d in no way sauntered in anything else.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG Sport I drove was really considerably in the latter category.

It took me a although fine-tuning the seat to give me the greatest driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel numerous times – and then get the lumbar help right.

For the 1st day I just couldn’t nail it and, squirming uncomfortably, I was convinced this automobile wasn’t for me.

Adjustments required

But, by the second day of my week with the Merc, I felt it was produced with my name on it.

Some car seats just call for a fast twiddle here and there and you’re all set up. 

I believe the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests just take some obtaining employed to.

They’re sculpted in a curve-forward position, and make you feel like your head needs to go back more – although that could have been me getting fussy on the day the auto was delivered.

An exceptional machine

Anyway, enough of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me clarify why, on the entire, the CLA is an outstanding piece of German machinery.

Aesthetically, its proportions and dynamic design give the compact 4-door saloon-cum-coupé an unmistakable look.

The vehicle’;s striking characteristics incorporate the bonnet embedded in the front finish with energy-domes and a diamond-appear grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to produce a characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

‘Energetic and youthful’;

This light signet defines the car’;s energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

The width-emphasising rear end exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay among convex and concave surfaces.

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window, supply the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, as well.

The exterior’;s progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the Benz.

More seating troubles

All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a cool-to-the-touch metallic finish.

The instrument panel incorporates 5 big round vents and there’s a prominent cost-free-standing show screen that features a black piano-lacquer-appear front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, once again, become a sticking point.

They are cramped for adults and not even the ideal match for 2 youngster seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped without as well significantly squabbling.

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is great for this variety of auto.

On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rocks for most situations.

The vehicle has exceptional grip when pushed by means of corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under stress.

Particularly noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which gives precise feedback in comparison with conventional power steering.

Security hasn’t been overlooked either, with quite a few driving assistance systems offering help and decreasing your workload behind the wheel.

Regular-match attributes include drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention help with adaptive brake assist, which assists to defend you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Design and style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Safety kit √


• Rear seats X

Quick facts

• Max speed: 149mph


• -62 mph: 6.6 secs


• Combined mpg: 42.8


• Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinders 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. energy (bhp): 208


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 258


• CO2: 154g/km


• Value: £33,440

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Car evaluation: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class