Hello, baby: Benz’s GLA-Class SUV from $48k
BY BARRY PARK | 14th Feb 2014
Due in July, the initial three-variant line-up is expected to shadow the four-door coupe-based CLA-Class in terms of specification, although the car-maker has said a powered tailgate will be standard across the range.
The entry-level GLA200 CDI will be priced from $47,900 before on-road costs, with equipment expected to run to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, dusk-sensing bi-Xenon headlights, nine airbags, dual-zone air-conditioning, automated parking function and blind-spot warning system.
Under the bonnet, the GLA200 CDI will use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 100kW of power and a healthy 300Nm of torque, sending drive to the front wheels. Like all the engines in the GLA-Class range, it will feature an idle-stop function that shuts down the engine while the SUV is stopped in traffic.
Next up is the petrol-powered GLA250 4MATIC, priced from $57,900 and sending drive to all four wheels.
It will use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under its bonnet, producing about 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque to all four wheels, and also mated to the seven-speeder.
At the top of the range will be the GLA45 AMG 4MATIC, priced from a hefty $79,900.
This hero of the GLA range will sport a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 265kW of power and 450Nm of torque to all four wheels, again via the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Mercedes-Benz’s pricing shadows that of its closest rival, Audi’s equally diminutive Q3. Entry-level pricing is only $300 shy of the Q3 2.0 TDI driving the front wheels via a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
At the top end of the range the GLA45 AMG is only $2000 adrift of the Audi RSQ3, launched this week and powered by a 228kW, 420Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine shared with the TT RS two-door coupe.
It is also paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels.
