The new Mercedes GLA is here!

By topgear ,

Touted as a great day-to-day SUV and with good off-road capability, the GLA is the the first Mercedes-Benz venture into the compact premium SUV segment. The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio from Mercedes-Benz which includes the GLK, ML, GL and G.

Powered by a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engine, from 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250, there is also a diesel choice: The 136hp GLA 200 CDl, with a displacement of 2.2 litres and maximum torque of a meaty 300 Nm. All engines are mated to a 7G-DCT transmission. The GLA is optionally available with the new generation of 4MATIC all-Wheel drive featuring fully variable torque distribution.

The chassis ofthe GLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. There are three suspension variants to choose from: the Comfort suspension as standard, the dynamic handling package with suspension lowered by 15 mm and Sports Direct-Steer system, and finally, the off-road Comfort suspension.

Models with 4MATlC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission Control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the shift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain, and particularly on loose surfaces, can be met. ln combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.
 

The new GLA offers a broad scope for individualisation, with a choice of two lines, "Urban" and “AMG Line”, as well as “Edition i”, "Exclusive" package, "Night" package, and “AMG Exclusive” package, on top of other optional extras. On the inside, the GLA offers a wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (eg. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra.

As a serene day-to­day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The large luggage compartment(421 - 1235 litres) is well laid­out and can be loaded Without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens and closes automatically as an option.

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver‘s workload. Standard-fit features for the SUV include drowsiness detection and radar-based adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to avoid collisions from a speed as low as 7 km/h. This feature combines with Distronic Plus that is able to carry out autonomous braking, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system aiso brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 30 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 20 km/h.

Established assistance systems, such as the optional Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the GLA. Active Parking Assist allows automatic parking in parallel and end-on parking spaces.

The GLA is now on sale at S$186,888 (GLA 200), $188,888 (GLA 200 CDI) and $199,888 (GLA 250 4MATIC).