The article was originally produced on June 19, 2013, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Mercedes CLA

The CLA is called Mercedes' new addition to plug a hole in the model range, Cars Collection has taken a closer look at whether it fills the place or not.

Coming up with new models to fill the gaps between existing models is a constant nut for car brands to crack. The CLA is Mercedes' new model that will fill a place that was previously empty. What it is about is a four-door coupe in compact format. It is not the first time that Mercedes succeeds in finding a model that is missing and the CLA can in many ways be compared to the CLS that came in 2004. A starting point for a model type that almost all premium brands have today, Volkswagen CC and Audi A7 to name a few.

Basically, the CLA is an A-class, Mercedes' smallest that has now been around for 16 years. Over the years, the A-Class has grown and is by no means the super compact car it was from the beginning. The A-class was a minor disaster for Mercedes when it was introduced in 1997. A Swedish car magazine succeeded in a test, the so-called moose test, in overturning the car and this spread like wildfire in the world press. Of course, Mercedes initially denied the fact but then significantly redesigned parts of the car. Among other things, it received electronic stability control, changed shock absorbers and a lower center of gravity. With these measures, the "roller class" turns into a very popular model.

Now they have chosen to make it even a little bigger and reshape the body. One of the reasons is said to be to find new buyers among the younger people, but the question is whether any younger people can afford to buy it, but it is probably aimed at a more affluent segment where the average age is approaching forty. The new CLA is intended to attract the trend-conscious car buyer who wants to drive comfortably and stylishly but at the same time does not need a large car. Because even though the CLA is larger than the original A-Class, it is still a relatively small car. The compact shapes are also reflected inside the car, especially in the back seat. Stepping in is easy for those who are no taller than 180 cm, above that both the step and the sitting position suffer from the steep and low roofline. You sit all the better in the front seats, it's still a tight compartment feeling, but it feels more sporty than claustrophobic. Both the front and rear doors are frameless in true and stylish coupe fashion. The interior is very well designed and should not bore anyone in the first place.

The center console is adorned with an iPad-like screen that houses the navigation, infotainment system. Below the screen are three ventilation outlets in brushed aluminum in a neat row. The color combination of brown leather to dark wood and black interior with brown stitching and the bright red paint on the outside is a really good combination. 

Since the CLA is derived from the A-class, it also has another essential detail that sets it apart from other models in the Mercedes fleet and that is which wheels drive the car, namely the front wheels. The drivetrain in the test car consists of a transverse 4-cylinder diesel engine with 136 horsepower. No rocket but an engine that does its job very well. Top speed is reached at 220 km/h and 0-100 in 9.4 seconds. Shifts are made with a very efficient seven-speed dual-clutch box. For those who don't think the speed resources or front-wheel drive are enough, there is an AMG version with permanent four-wheel drive and a tuned version of the 360 horsepower petrol engine. But if the car is to be used as an everyday car, the relatively frugal diesel will go a long way. For long journeys, the CLA is a pleasant acquaintance that will not disappoint you. All modern conveniences are available, such as pairing the phone so that the music can be played wirelessly. A well-measured safety system is also available to monitor what the driver misses in traffic, but the system to prevent collisions with those in front is perceived as a little too alert and likes to kick in even when there is no danger in sight. Good, but annoying in the long run. The road characteristics are typically Mercedes. Reliable with direct and well-tuned steering, but not exciting. If you don't buy the AMG version. 

Whether the Mercedes CLA will be a hit to attract the customers that the segment can conceivably accommodate is difficult to say. But that the model has already settled, after a short test, is a fact. The CLA is both stylish and comfortable, if a bit tight in its suit. But if you compare it to its sibling, the A-Class, it feels very sophisticated. To really enhance the trendyness of the CLA, Mercedes has made a series of CLA-themed accessories. All to attract the fashion-conscious buyer, right?