Vehicle assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Sometimes a pair of new shoes feels just correct.

No blisters ever seem and they quickly turn into your go-to selection of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Other individuals cause you a small discomfort at very first – but, once worn in, you really feel as even though you’d never ever sauntered in something else.

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

It took me a while fine-tuning the seat to give me the very best driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel numerous times – and then get the lumbar assistance appropriate.

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

Adjustments required

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

Some auto seats just need a quick twiddle here and there and you’re all set up. 

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

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

An excellent machine

Anyway, sufficient of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me explain why, on the complete, the CLA is an superb piece of German machinery.

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

The vehicle’;s striking features consist of the bonnet embedded in the front end with power-domes and a diamond-look grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to develop 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 finish exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay between 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 look is continued inside the Benz.

Far more seating problems

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

The instrument panel incorporates 5 massive round vents and there’s a prominent cost-free-standing display screen that attributes a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, as soon as again, turn into a sticking point.

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

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is excellent for this type of vehicle.

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

The automobile has outstanding grip when pushed by means of corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently below pressure.

Specially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer method, which provides precise feedback in comparison with traditional energy steering.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with numerous driving assistance systems supplying support and lowering your workload behind the wheel.

Normal-match characteristics include drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake help, which helps to safeguard you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Safety kit √


• Rear seats X

Fast details

• Max speed: 149mph


• -62 mph: 6.6 secs


• Combined mpg: 42.8


• Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinders 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. power (bhp): 208


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 258


• CO2: 154g/km


• Price tag: £33,440

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Vehicle assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class