Vehicle review: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Often a pair of new shoes feels just right.

No blisters ever seem and they soon turn out to be your go-to choice of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Other people lead to you a small discomfort at very first – but, after worn in, you really feel as though you’d by no means sauntered in something else.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG Sport I drove was really significantly 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 proper.

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

Adjustments required

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

Some auto seats just need a rapid twiddle here and there and you are all set up. 

I consider the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests simply take some receiving used to.

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

An outstanding machine

Anyway, adequate of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me clarify why, on the whole, the CLA is an excellent piece of German machinery.

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

The vehicle’;s striking attributes include the bonnet embedded in the front end 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 create a characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

‘Energetic and youthful’;

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

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

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

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

Much 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 big round vents and there’s a prominent totally 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 out to be a sticking point.

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

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is good for this type of auto.

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

The automobile has excellent grip when pushed via corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under pressure.

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

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

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

Pros & cons

• Design √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Security kit √


• Rear seats X

Rapidly facts

• 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


• Value: £33,440

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Vehicle review: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class