Mercedes-Benz CLA

The sleek and stylish CLA is Mercedes-Benz’s smallest and most affordable sedan in India. It’s based on Mercedes’ front-wheel-drive platform and can be had in petrol and diesel forms, with standard-fit dual-clutch transmissions. There’s a hotter AMG version too in the CLA45. Do note: the Mercedes-Benz CLA is up for replacement by 2020. The next-gen CLA and the new A-class sedan are under consideration for India.

The sleek and stylish CLA is Mercedes-Benz’s smallest and most affordable sedan in India. It’s based on Mercedes’ fro...

The sleek and stylish CLA is Mercedes-Benz’s smallest and most affordable sedan in India. It’s based on Mercedes’ front-wheel-drive platform and can be had in petrol and diesel forms, with standard-fit dual-clutch transmissions. There’s a hotter AMG version too in the CLA45. Do note: the Mercedes-Benz CLA is up for replacement by 2020. The next-gen CLA and the new A-class sedan are under consideration for India.

With its striking face, frameless windows and stretched-out tail, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has immense show value. But for all its style, the CLA isn’t the most practical sedan. The small windows limit visibility and rear-seat headroom is in short supply as well. Nonetheless, the cabin is well-put-together and seat comfort is good.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s 183hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine is rather likeable. There’s a wide spread of power and performance is good. It’s a quiet engine too but does get audible when extended. The 136hp, 2.1-litre diesel is noisier in general but never gets too loud. The diesel has adequate power but feels its best in relaxed cruising. Of the other things, ride quality is largely good, although the CLA tends to thud through potholes. The CLA is nice to steer but never engaging.
The AMG CLA45 is a whole different proposition. Its highly strung 380hp, 2.0-litre petrol motor delivers big performance. Unfortunately, understeer means the CLA45 lacks the finesse of larger AMGs. A crashy ride and inadequate ground clearance make the CLA45 a hard sell, too.

With its striking face, frameless windows and stretched-out tail, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has immense show value. But f...

With its striking face, frameless windows and stretched-out tail, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has immense show value. But for all its style, the CLA isn’t the most practical sedan. The small windows limit visibility and rear-seat headroom is in short supply as well. Nonetheless, the cabin is well-put-together and seat comfort is good.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s 183hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine is rather likeable. There’s a wide spread of power and performance is good. It’s a quiet engine too but does get audible when extended. The 136hp, 2.1-litre diesel is noisier in general but never gets too loud. The diesel has adequate power but feels its best in relaxed cruising. Of the other things, ride quality is largely good, although the CLA tends to thud through potholes. The CLA is nice to steer but never engaging.
The AMG CLA45 is a whole different proposition. Its highly strung 380hp, 2.0-litre petrol motor delivers big performance. Unfortunately, understeer means the CLA45 lacks the finesse of larger AMGs. A crashy ride and inadequate ground clearance make the CLA45 a hard sell, too.

Of the regular CLAs, we’d opt for the petrol version, which is the stronger and more refined unit. The CLA in Style trim does appeal for its price but also misses out on a few essential features. We’d suggest you go for the Sport trim that gets leatherette seats, a panoramic sunroof and a superior infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AMG CLA45 offers great performance but isn’t the best sporty sedan you can buy for the money.   

Of the regular CLAs, we’d opt for the petrol version, which is the stronger and more refined unit. The CLA in Style t...

Of the regular CLAs, we’d opt for the petrol version, which is the stronger and more refined unit. The CLA in Style trim does appeal for its price but also misses out on a few essential features. We’d suggest you go for the Sport trim that gets leatherette seats, a panoramic sunroof and a superior infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AMG CLA45 offers great performance but isn’t the best sporty sedan you can buy for the money.