By Otsile Kadiege

Last year Mercedes-Benz facelifted the A-Class range. The update included subtle yet noticeable cosmetic updates both inside and out, a bunch of new technologies and upgraded equipment and electrified powertrains. The same concept has now been carried over to the CLA range.

Exterior updates

Outside, the newly shaped front apron, the revised radiator grille with star pattern and the new rear diffuser sharpen the sporty character. Added to this are the modernised graphics in the LED High Performance headlamps, which are standard for the first time, and the LED rear lights. The new paint colours hyper blue (exclusive to the CLA models) and spectral blue, as well as three additional wheel-rim designs in sizes up to 19 inches, extend the choice for individualisation. As standard, the new CLA Coupé is fitted with 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in vanadium silver or a five-double-spoke design in high-gloss black with high-sheen finish.

Interior tech and trims

The highlight of the interior is the free-standing double screen. It now includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard. Two 10.25-inch displays with a wide-screen look are optionally available. They run on the latest generation of MBUX – with newly designed display styles: Classic, Sporty and Discreet. The infotainment also offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Wireless connectivity.

Audiophiles can now opt for the Burmester surround sound system now features the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience. It gives music more space, clarity and depth. Dolby Atmos allows discrete audio elements or objects to be placed in a three-dimensional sound field and adapted to any playback environment.

The steering wheel of the current generation is upholstered in leather Nappa as standard. Alternatively, the multi-function sports steering wheel is available in Artico man made leather for the first time. The new trim elements in a dark carbon look, open-pore brown lime wood or brown Microcut microfibre (AMG Line only) further enhance the interior. A heated steering wheel rim is also available in the AMG Line for the first time.

The comfort seats, which consists of 100% recycled materials, are fitted as standard with a combination of Artico man-made leather and three-dimensionally embossed fabric in black. They are also optionally available in sage grey. The Progressive equipment line offers three interior colours: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. In the AMG Line, the standard seat upholstery in Artico man-made leather/microfibre Microcut is now also available in bahia brown. A total of five upholstery colours are available in the AMG Line: black, bahia brown, sage grey, titanium grey pearl/black and, for the first time, red pepper/black.

Driver assistance systems

The new CLA models also improve in terms of safety assistance. With the upgraded Driver Assistance Package, for example, Lane Keeping Assist is controlled much more comfortably by the active steering control. The next generation of the Parking Package supports longitudinal parking and offers 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking using 3D images.

Powertrains

The current Mercedes-Benz line-up consists of the CLA 200 and CLA 220d (AMG models excluded). Should the brand’s local arm continue with abovementioned line-up then we should expect the following performance figures:

The petrol engines are electrified throughout and include four-cylinder units with a 7- or 8-speed DCT automatic transmission as standard. As mild hybrids, the engines are equipped with an additional 48-volt on-board power supply that supports agility at start-up with 10 kW more power. The new belt-driven starter-generator is said to noticeably improve customer comfort and experience.