Mercedes CLA

The new for 2019 Mercedes CLA is 48mm longer, 53mm wider and  2mm lower and the wheelbase has been extended by 30mm, this car is now longer than a C Class saloon. The almost completely flat underbody results in a drag coefficient as low as 0.23.  The CLA has MacPherson struts at the front axle and a multi-link set-up at the rear making the CLA much more of a country lane blaster than the previous version, the low wind resistance also makes it a very quiet and smooth cruiser. Based on the A Class, the smallest car in the Mercedes stable and with the coupe sloping roofline, this is not a car for carrying rear passengers, headroom is limited and legroom too. There is a useable boot however, 460 litres, and the rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 but the opening is not great for loading something as bulky as a wheelchair.

The CLA is only avaialble in AMG Line trim: Black leather Sports seats, lower suspension, AMG bodykit, 18 inch alloy wheels, selectable driving modes, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, tinted windows, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, wireless charging pad, 7 inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built in sat nav. There are two additional trims (or packs) but these are only amiable on the CLA180, the CLA200 is only avaialble on the Scheme in base AMG Line. The Premium adds keyless entry, a rear armrest, ambient lighting, upgraded sound system and the 7 inch instrument dials are replaced with a 10.25 inch screen. Premium Plus versions come with a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable front seats with memory and lumbar support functions, automatic LED headlights and the Energizing Package, a combination of mood lighting, music, climate control and seat massage functions designed to aid relaxation.

A 1.3 litre petrol engine is the only way to get a CLA on the Scheme and only as a seven speed dual clutch Automatic. The CLA180 offers 134bhp a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds and a top speed of 134mph, the claimed economy is an impressive 42.8–47.9 miles per gallon aided by cylinder shut-off technology. The relatively low weight of the CLA, 1410 kg, and the sleek design means that the CLA180 can move the car well under all conditions, we urge a test-drive to see how surprisingly competent this engine is. Should you require the boost of 50Nm of torque to 250Nm and a brake horse power increase to 161 the CLA200 can reach 62mph is a brisk 8.2 seconds and the top speed increases to 142mph, economy remains within the 42.8–47.9 miles per gallon claimed range.

Summer Best Buy – Mercedes CLA200 1.3 petrol 161bhp  ‘AMG Line’  Automatic –  £3749 Advance Payment (£2620 wpms)

Summer Best Buy – Mercedes CLA180 1.3 petrol 134bhp  ‘AMG Line Premium’  Automatic –  £3499 Advance Payment (£2370 wpms) or £3999 (£2870 wpms) as an AMG Premium Plus