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Mercedes-Benz's new Compact SUV - The GLA.

Mercedes-Benz's new Compact SUV - The GLA.

Author: Damian Yoko
Date: 2014-04-05
The coming together of two concepts doesn't always yield a pleasant mixture, but one must look upon the new Mercedes-Benz GLA with at least a trace of wonder. 

This compact SUV, which looks like the forbidden child of the GL and the A class, is actually quite aesthetic. It's beautifully designed body boasts best in class aerodynamics, which not only helps reduce consumption, but also makes it look cooler than a sixth grader with the newest iPhone.

It has long been the goal of car manufacturers to offer a car that can be seamlessly used on all terrains. And there are very few cases in the past where they have achieved success in attaining this goal. There are many things which can go wrong when designing a car with attributes which are somewhat contrasting. A car such as the GLA attempts to bridge the gap between functionality and style, and we will just have to see if it succeeds in doing so.

It will be available in South Africa in a variety of three models, the 200, the 200 CDI and the 220 CDI 4MATIC.

The GLA 200 is the 1.6 litre petrol version, which pumps out 115kW and 250Nm of torque. The 200 CDI will come with a 2.2 litre diesel engine, 100kW and a nice 300Nm of torque. Finally there is the 220 CDI 4MATIC, which boasts a 125kW, 350Nm engine that will power a four-wheel drivetrain.

With its main competitors being the BMW X1, the Audi Q5 the GLA has its work cut out for it. But what is exciting about this release is the GLA allows Mercedes to enter a market with the possibility of being best in it's class.

Prices for this luxury compact SUV start at just under R400 000 for the 1.6 petrol model, up to R490 000 for the 4MATIC. This puts the GLA comfortably cheaper than the Q5 and about the same price as the X1. 

The GLA will come standard with a bunch of very cool features, including a plethora of safety assistance features like Attention Assist (drowsy-driver detection), Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, and a new Collision Prevention Assist Plus system that can brake the vehicle autonomously at up to 246 km/h to reduce crash severity. 

All in all, the new GLA is an exciting new car that will have its work cut out for it. Will it have what it takes to take on Audi's new Q3 and other competition? We will just have to see.