Mercedes-Benz CLA Preview
Mercedes-Benz has had one of its most successful years in 2014 since it entered India in the early 1990s. This success has come off the back of an aggressive launch and marketing strategy which saw them introduce over seven models and open multiple dealerships across the country.
In addition to updating their existing range, Mercedes has also been introducing new models in the country. Its latest entry will be the new CLA sedan which will be launched on January 22. Its high performance sibling the CLA45AMG was launched in July 2014.
Exterior
The CLA shares many of its design cues with the A-Class like the floating dots grille, massively sculpted air intakes and chin spoiler that sits rather prominently in the front. Mercedes has really been working hard on giving the car clean sculpted lines and this is very evident on the side and at the back especially the rear bumper and the rather sharp looking boot lid. The company claims the the CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.23, the lowest among any series production vehicle.
Interior
The interior of the CLA are similar to that of the A-Class hatchback. It gets the same overall design as its hatchback and MPV sibling but with some updates in the form of two-zone climate control, larger screen with updated infotainment system and different colours for the dashboard. Both driver and co-driver get seat memory function in front. Other options include ambient lighting adjustment; panoramic sunroof and 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Despite the car being 4.6-metres in length, the sloped roofline makes for very little room inside and so it is mostly a four seater. The wheelbase is 2.6-metres and it is 1.7-metres wide.
Engine and gearbox
The CLA will be offered with one petrol and diesel engine. The former is the CLA 200 CGI which is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre mill that produces 135bhp and 300Nm of torque. The diesel is the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.2-litre mill that produces 100bhp and 300Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
Price
Mercedes-Benz will launch the CLA in India on January 22. The sedan will be assembled in India and will be the first MFA-underpinned model to be made at their Chakan facility. It is expected to be priced in the range of $50k - $60k.
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