By Otsile Kadiege

Mercedes-Benz South Africa recently announced that the brand’s facelifted sub-compact crossover SUV – the GLA – is now available in South Africa. The refreshed GLA introduces a redesigned exterior with new styling features as well as a subtly redesigned interior with new technologies. The updated GLA also comes with more standard equipment and a 48-volt on-board power supply for the belt-driven starter-generator.

Updated GLA exterior

Outside, the facelifted GLA gets a redesigned radiator grille with vertical louvres flanked by redesigned headlights with standard LED High Performance technology. The updated GLA also gets a redesigned front bumper with larger faux air inlets.

Mercedes-Benz is expanding the range of options with the new Spectral Blue paint colour and four additional wheel designs. In the basic trim, the new GLA stands on 18 inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces. Optional 19- to 20-inch wheels are also available. At the rear, the facelifted model gets redesigned LED taillights and a horizontal fin.

Updated GLA interior

Updates to the interior include a free-standing double screen which now includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard for the instrument cluster and multimedia screen respectively. Two 10.25-inch wide-screen displays are optionally available. They run on Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system and also feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The steering wheel of the current generation is upholstered in leather as standard; Artico imitation leather is available as an alternative. For further connectivity, the GLA now has an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power. All USB ports are now illuminated.

Electrified GLA petrol engines

To further reduce consumption and emissions, the petrol engines in the updated GLA are electrified throughout. The range includes four-cylinder units with eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmissions as standard equipment. The mild hybrids are equipped with an additional 48-volt on-board power supply for the belt-driven starter-generator. 

The GLA 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 120 kW (plus a momentary 10kW) and 270Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims an average fuel consumption between 7.3-6.6l/100km. Diesel fans can opt for the GLA 220d which develops 110kW and 320Nm from a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine. Claimed fuel consumption is rated between 5.9-5.3l/100km.

Updated GLA pricing

GLA 200 – R914,950 (Incl. S&M incl. VAT)

GLA 200d – R950,850 (Incl. S&M incl. VAT)