Mercedes-Benz GLA is a Classy Crossover

The current trend for car manufacturers at the moment is to take their hatchbacks and use them as the basis for a new crossover. Mercedes-Benz want to grab a slice of a market where BMW with their X3 and Audi with the Q3 have been making some good money. The new Mercedes GLA aims to do just that with bold looks and the allure of that three pointed star on the grill.

First seen as a concept car a few months ago, the GLA sit upon the same platform as the current A-Class. In appearance the car makes a very bold stylistic statement to its competitors with heavily sculpted lines and bonnet bulges. Inside the cabin is well trimmed as in all Mercedes products offering a premium environment for passengers to spend their time. The engine lineup is divided by what choice is made in the drivetrain department. If you were to opt for the front wheel drive variant you can choose from a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine with 154BHP or a 1.8 litre turbodiesel with 134BHP. However, go for the all-wheel-drive model and you may have either a 168BHP 2.1 litre turbodiesel or a 208BHP 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol. Gearboxes are again divided by drivetrain with the front drive car getting a six speed manual and the 4X4 a 7 speed dual clutch affair. The most economical model is the GLA200 CDI (2.1 diesel) that can achieve 65.7MPG.