Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Interiors of the GLA are actually quite good in terms of design and ergonomics, but there is simply a lack of space for all the occupants. The cabin is very tiny and only the front passengers get good amounts of room, and the rear passengers will feel rather cramped. But, the interiors are sporty, luxurious and uses good quality components. The interiors follow the same design as you might find in the new A Class – its simple yet inviting and exudes a premium feel.

The GLA is available with a petrol engine as well as a diesel engine. The petrol unit is a 1991cc 4-cylinder with about 174bhp and 300Nm of torque, while the diesel unit is a 2143cc 4-cylinder with only 134bhp, but it still gets 300Nm of torque. Both of these engines are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. There is also a special AMG version of the car available and it is called the GLA 45 AMG. This car has been completely built by the AMG division and it comes with the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in the world, which is their very own 2.0 litre unit that churns out 355bhp and 450Nm of torque.

The GLA has very good driving dynamics but it does seem to be a little underpowered, especially the diesel unit. The petrol engine is a much more exciting unit to drive as it gives you added power, whereas the diesel is slow to pick up speed and is less engaging. But overall the ride quality is simply marvelous, and the car has a decent enough clearance to even go off-road on the odd occasion. The GLA with its small dimensions is also easy to handle on small roads and in crowded city traffic. The steering is very good to and provides good feedback. On the highway the car also performs very well and is composed at all times. The automatic transmission is quite good too and changes on time and whenever needed. Overall the GLA is a decent car to drive and it does exude Mercedes quality, but it’s still not what we would call a driver’s car, and it certainly cannot hold many occupants.

We managed to record a fuel efficiency of about 12kmpl.

As standard equipment you get power steering and steering mounted controls, power windows, electrically adjustable seats and full automatic climate control, cruise control, multi function display with sat-nav, in-built audio system with very nice speakers and a panoramic sunroof, and it also comes with start/stop button.

Once again all Mercedes cars come with standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Acceleration Skid Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights, multiple airbags, and remote central locking. Then there is also a reverse camera.

This is the ultimate luxury machine, so quality is the best out there. It is also very well built and engineered to perfection, so it is highly reliable. Components can sometimes be a problem and servicing is expensive, especially in the monsoon seasons, electrical failures can happen.

The GLA seems to be a very well-built machine and it has obviously gotten German engineering, but it is essentially an overpriced compact SUV. It does have good driving dynamics, and it could be used as a city car, but we just don’t see it carrying very high value for its price.

The GLA is a good car and it looks very nice. The petrol engine is pretty fun to drive but the diesel is quite unexciting. The interiors are much to small for even 4 occupants, but it still uses good quality materials. If you are lloking for more space and better performance you might want to check out the Audi Q3, which has recently been face lifted to look more appealing. But if you want pure awesomeness and incredible power, then you could pay double and go for the GLA 45 AMG.