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

Examine quotes and get a Free BRIAN toy when you get car insurance coverage
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Vehicle assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Compare quotes and get a Free of charge BRIAN toy when you get auto insurance
(T&Cs apply)
Get a auto quote

Vehicle review: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Occasionally a pair of new shoes feels just appropriate.

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

Initial discomfort

Others trigger you a little discomfort at first – but, once worn in, you really feel as even though you’d never sauntered in something else.

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

It took me a whilst fine-tuning the seat to give me the greatest driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel several instances – and then get the lumbar help appropriate.

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

Adjustments necessary

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

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

I feel the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests basically take some obtaining utilised to.

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

An excellent machine

Anyway, adequate of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me explain why, on the complete, the CLA is an exceptional 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 attributes consist of the bonnet embedded in the front finish with power-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 impact” 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 among 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 look is continued inside the Benz.

A lot 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, after once more, turn out to be a sticking point.

They are cramped for adults and not even the very best match for 2 child seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped with out also much squabbling.

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is good for this kind of vehicle.

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

The car has outstanding grip when pushed through corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under stress.

Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which delivers precise feedback in comparison with traditional power steering.

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

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

Pros & cons

• Style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Security kit √


• Rear seats X

Rapidly 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

Compare quotes and get a Totally free BRIAN toy when you get auto insurance coverage
(T&Cs apply)
Get a automobile quote

Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Examine quotes and get a Free BRIAN toy when you buy auto insurance coverage
(T&Cs apply)
Get a car quote

Car evaluation: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Car overview: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Often a pair of new footwear feels just proper.

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

Initial discomfort

Other people result in you a tiny discomfort at very first – but, as soon as worn in, you really feel as even though you’d in no way sauntered in anything else.

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

It took me a while fine-tuning the seat to give me the greatest driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel many occasions – and then get the lumbar help appropriate.

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

Adjustments necessary

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

Some automobile seats just call for a fast twiddle right here and there and you are all set up. 

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

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

An exceptional machine

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

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

The vehicle’;s striking characteristics incorporate 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 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 finish 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, offer the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, also.

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

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 huge round vents and there’s a prominent free of charge-standing show screen that characteristics a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, once once more, grow to be a sticking point.

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

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is good for this sort of car.

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 stress.

Specifically noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer technique, which provides precise feedback in comparison with standard power steering.

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

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

Pros & cons

• Design and style √


• 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

Examine quotes and get a Free of charge BRIAN toy when you get automobile insurance coverage
(T&Cs apply)
Get a automobile quote

Car overview: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Automobile overview: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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

Sometimes a pair of new footwear feels just correct.

No blisters ever appear and they quickly grow to be your go-to selection of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Other people lead to you a little discomfort at very first – but, when worn in, you really feel as even though you’d in no way sauntered in something else.

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

It took me a although fine-tuning the seat to give me the ideal driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel many instances – and then get the lumbar assistance right.

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

Adjustments necessary

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

Some vehicle seats just call for a quick twiddle right here and there and you are all set up. 

I consider the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests merely take some getting utilised to.

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

An outstanding machine

Anyway, adequate 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 functions consist of 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 impact” 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 finish exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay in 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, too.

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

A lot more seating issues

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 show screen that characteristics a black piano-lacquer-appear front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

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

They are cramped for adults and not even the best fit for 2 child seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped with no too considerably squabbling.

Spacious and precise

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

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

The car has exceptional grip when pushed by means of corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently beneath pressure.

Specially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer program, which provides precise feedback in comparison with standard power steering.

Security hasn’t been overlooked either, with several driving help systems offering help and lowering your workload behind the wheel.

Common-fit features consist of drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention help with adaptive brake assist, which helps to shield you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Design and style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Security kit √


• Rear seats X

Rapidly information

• 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

Evaluate quotes and get a Cost-free BRIAN toy when you purchase automobile insurance
(T&Cs apply)
Get a automobile quote

Automobile overview: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class