Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz CLA officially revealed

Official pictures and details of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, an A-class saloon with a super low drag coefficient

Mercedes has unveiled its new CLA. Effectively a saloon version of the A-class hatchback, it apes its bigger CLS cousin with more coupe-like styling. It doesn’t just look sleek, though; with a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd, it’s the most aerodynamic production car on record. By comparison, a Porsche 911 GT3 figures at 0.31 Cd, while the regular A-class boasts a more svelte 0.26. The streamlined figure is helped by a number of the CLA’s design and styling touches, including aerodynamic wing mirrors and serrated spoilers on the wheel arches, while there is extensive underbody paneling. The result is swifter performance and greater fuel economy. The CLA is actually 39mm longer than a Mercedes C-class, though its emphasis on styling means it’s unlikely to be more spacious. Unlike some coupe-saloons, it gets a full five-seat layout inside. Under the skin, it’s very similar to the A-class. There are three petrol engines – the CLA180 and 200 use a 1.6-litre turbo mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and possess 120 and 154bhp respectively, while the CLA250 twins a 208bhp 2-litre turbo with a seven-speed twin-clutch auto – and two diesels, the 134bhp 1.8-litre CLA200 CDI and 168bhp 2.2-litre 220 CDI, the latter gaining the twin-clutch transmission. Fuel economy ranges from a claimed 45.6 mpg for the CLA250 to 67.3mpg for the CLA200 CDI. The CLA’s suspension comprises a MacPherson front axle and independent multilink rear, with unique tuning on the back axle to improve ride comfort. Like the A-class, Comfort and Sport chassis options are available, the latter lowering the car 20mm at the front, 15mm rear. There’s the plethora of safety technology we’ve come to expect from Mercedes, too. A highlight is Collision Prevention Assist, which detects obstacles ahead of the car and calculates the braking needed to avoid hitting them. It also aims to protect from rear collisions at speeds above 4mph. Mercedes-Benz CLA sales start in March 2013, with deliveries from June. UK prices haven’t yet been announced, but we predict a starting point of around £25,000. And an AMG version, twinned with the Mercedes A45 and using four-wheel drive, is all but certain.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake (X218, 2012 - 2017): review, history and buying guide
Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
Features

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake (X218, 2012 - 2017): review, history and buying guide

A leftfield Mercedes with oodles of AMG appeal, the CLS 63 Shooting Brake is an attractive used buy in 2024
12 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage 2024 review – the best Aston in years
Aston Martin Vantage 2024 track
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage 2024 review – the best Aston in years

The junior Aston Martin has been thoroughly reengineered. It’s not so junior any more 
12 May 2024
Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024
80mph motorway speed limit
News

Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024

The use of mandatory speed limiters on all new cars was approved by the European Parliament in 2019, and they're set to come into force later this yea…
8 May 2024
The Morgan Midsummer is a six-cylinder Pininfarina barchetta, with teak
Morgan Midsummer
News

The Morgan Midsummer is a six-cylinder Pininfarina barchetta, with teak

British sports car maker joins forces with Italian design house for a limited-run coachbuilt special
16 May 2024