Mercedes has a winner on its hands

People who've bought the Mercedes A-Class hatchback may feel a bit betrayed.

That's because the CLA, the sedan version of the A-Class that was launched in Bangkok last week, is what people are actually seeking after in a "baby Benz".

Of course, the A-Class is a hot hatch that shed the "Honda Jazz" appearance of its predecessor (everyone hated that car) and replaced it with something more exciting. Something that is capable of pumping adrenalin. Something fun, and yet frugal enough to be called an eco-friendly car.

But once you take a good look at the sleek-looking CLA, the A-Class hatchback starts to feel incomplete. Although the hatchback market has grown dramatically in Thailand, people who are going to spend Bt2 million would also like to get more for their money. And that would definitely include a trunk.

While many would call the CLA a Baby Benz, you might also call it the baby CLS, with both sharing the same sport coupe design concept along with that low roofline.

In Bangkok last week, Mercedes launched only the CLA 250 AMG Sport, which is costs Bt2.64 million and comes with a 211hp 2.0-litre engine.

That's Bt150,000 higher than the A 250 AMG Sport, but then there are smaller engine choices that are expected to be offered later this year. The price would then be more affordable, and more of them would be sold than the top version.

Thanks to Mercedes, I was invited to drive the CLA along with several other Thai journalists a couple of months ago in France, where an international press drive was held.

Although the CLA 250 was available, we chose to drive the CLA 200, after being told that this would be a major sales generator.

The CLA's awesome styling is joined by a highly aerodynamic structure, with its 0.22 Cd setting the world record for production vehicles. It has already won the "Most Beautiful Car in Germany" from Auto Bild magazine, and I am sure that many more awards will be forthcoming.

Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear.

The interior is also striking, with sporty circular air vents and an awesome-looking 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel that feels great in your hands.

Open the luggage compartment lid and you'd be surprise at the 470-litre trunk space that is sure to fit lots of golf bags.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with direct injection and an Eco Start/Stop function capable of producing 156hp and 250Nm, the latter coming as quickly as 1,250rpm. Mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the punchy motor propels the CLA 2500 from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and to a top speed of 230km/h. Meanwhile, fuel economy is almost as good as an eco-car at 5.5 litres per 100km, and the CO2 emission is just 127gm/km.

Before picking up the test car I had planned to get the CLA 250 (but then downgraded to the CLA 200 due to the tip). And I was still impressed with the performance. It may not qualify as a sports sedan like the CLA 250, which does the 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds, but acceleration is no weak point of the CLA 200.

"What do you think of the performance?" asked the Mercedes-Benz official who accompanied us.

"You don't even need to sell the CLA 250 at all – the CLA 200 is powerful enough," I replied. "And are you sure we're driving on comfort suspension? It feels pretty hard," I added.

In fact, the cars we drove came with comfort suspension as we were previously told, but the front strut and rear multi-link set-up felt stiff like a sports-car suspension, and performed brilliantly on the scenic Provence country roads and the silky smooth highways.

So those expecting a comfortable ride like one in the larger Mercedes models might be disappointed. But that's fine, since the CLA is targeted at a younger group of customers, not the middle-aged crowd that the brand is used to.

The steering is beefy and precise, thanks to the Direct Steer system, giving the CLA the nimbleness of a small car.

The CLA 200 I drove had 18-inch rims with 225/40 tyres, which was upgraded from the standard 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tyres. The CLA comes with a long list of features that you'd expect from a Mercedes, ranging from safety to comfort and entertainment, including Smart Phone apps.

In my opinion, the Mercedes-Benz CLA will become a winner in the sub-compact luxury car market, and even brands like Mini, with its strong cult following, will feel the pressure from the German side.

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 

Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valves

Displacement: 1,595cc

Bore and stroke: 83.0x73.7mm

Compression ratio: 10.3:1

Max power: 156hp/5,300rpm

Max torque: 250Nm/1,250-4,000rpm

Transmission: 7G-DCT (7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission)

Ratios: 3.86/2.43/2.90/1.19/0.87/1.16/0.94

0-100km/h: 8.3 secs

Top speed: 224km/h

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, wishbones, stabiliser/four-link, stabiliser

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 11.0 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented discs/discs with ABS, Brake Assist

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,630

Width: 1,777

Height: 1,432

Wheelbase: 2,699

Track (f/r): 1,549/1,547

Weight (kgs): 1,395

Wheels: 18-in alloy

Tires: 225/40R18

Fuel tank capacity: 56 litres

Price: n/a

Distributor: Mercedes-Benz (Thailand)