We take the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GLA compact luxury SUV for a spin on Indian roads. Should Audi and BMW be worried? Read on to find out.
There’s lots to like about the cabin too, so long as you are realistic about space. The cabin feels cozy rather than roomy. Up front, you wouldn’t be wrong to think you are sitting in a jacked-up A-class. The nicely-finished dashboard and all other panels are the same, but courtesy the higher driving position, you get a better view out. The electrically adjustable front seats are also comfortable. Rear seat legroom and headroom (thanks to recesses for the sunroof) are also decent, but the cabin’s width restricts this to a place best for two. The high-ish floor also means thigh support is insufficient in the back. You could possibly make this up to your rear passengers by speccing the GLA with the optional rear seat entertainment system.
What’s noteworthy though is how well equipped the GLA comes as standard. It gets seven airbags, a panoramic sunroof, sat nav, reverse camera, a Harmon Kardon sound system, tyre pressure sensors, ambient lighting and bi-xenon headlamps. But, there’s no automatic climate control and the screen for the infotainment system is also quite small.
What is it like to drive?
The GLA will launch with a 181bhp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 135bhp, 2.2-litre diesel. Both will be available only in front-wheel drive form, at least for the time being. If you do want the safety of all-wheel drive, Mercedes will sell you the mad GLA45 AMG October onwards.
Back to the engines at hand. Having already driven
the petrol version, we know it to be a strong performer but also one that doesn’t like to be revved too hard.
As for the diesel, it’s nice but not exciting. It’s the same 2.2-litre engine you’ll find in a whole host of Mercs but here, it makes 135bhp and 30.5kgm. The power and torque figures do put the GLA 200 CDI at a disadvantage to the X1, Q3 and the V40, and if you really push the car hard, it shows. The diesel motor doesn’t particularly like being rushed and gets quite vocal when you try, though it does rev to 4500rpm. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is also not the quickest on downshifts.