Mercedes-Benz has refreshed the GLA. It now flaunts LED head lamps and a new perforated twin-blade grille. The cladding at the lower edge of the bumper has been redesigned and the new five-spoke alloys mark the sides. The rear features new, crystal-effect LED lamps. Leave for these changes and the GLA hasn’t changed the way it used to look earlier.
The makeover for 2017 is claimed to have been done to dial some aggression. Many, it seems, found the GLA to look more estate-ish than a crossover. Measuring 4424mm in length, 1804 in width, and 1494mm in height, the GLA rides on 18-inch dia wheels. Based on Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the compact crossover is fitted with 235/80 R18 tyres and ground clearance is 183mm. Perhaps lacking the tough stance of a traditional SUV, the GLA looks attractive with its swooping lines and a taut skin. There’s a certain charm about it!
BOXED-IN FEELING
Except for details, the interior of the GLA is a carryover from the earlier model. The colour theme is beige, and two new trim options are offered. On the sports variant, it is the sail pattern; on the style variant, it is the matrix pattern.
The instrument panel is new, and includes a 4.5-inch colour multi-function display. The meters have a concentric circle, and make for an interesting look and function with red needles. The ambient lighting system of the GLA comes with 12 colours to select from. Well equipped with features like a large panoramic sunroof, attention assist, powered tailgate, and powered front seats with memory, the GLA is fitted with manual air-con control.
The GLA offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but no auto-AC. The reverse camera is sans audio warnings. Seats — front and rear — are comfortable. The amount of room the GLA offers is not exactly class-leading; rear legroom is sufficient. The slight lack of glass area makes for a ‘boxed-in’ feeling.
BRISK ACCELERATION
The 170bhp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine provides brisk acceleration. There’s good amount of power available from low down. Apart from a small surge at 1800rpm, power delivery is fairly linear. The twin-clutch, 7-speed automatic transmission provides reasonably quick shifts. Power to all the wheels is fed by a front-biased 4Matic system. It distributes torque on demand, and is intelligent. With scope for more sound insulation, the GLA 220d weighs a little over 1600kg. If the engine is audible at lower rpm, at higher rpm it does sound loud.
The two driving modes — off-road and individual — alter the response. A hill descent feature helps to come down the slopes. The ground clearance and all-drive system comes handy for some light off-roading endeavours.
EASY MANOEUVRING
The steering weighs up well with speed, and offers a sincere feedback. It feels direct and makes for easy manoeuvring. The ride has a stiff edge to it, but is not too firm or uncomfortable. The brakes provide a strong bite, and add to the confidence of driving the GLA. Flaunting good poise on the highway and on a winding mountain stretch, the GLA feels as much at home in the city.
Priced in the range of Rs 30.65 lakh and Rs 36.7 lakh, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has gained in style, and is well-equipped. In the 220d guise it performs well, and manages to achieve a fair balance between ride and handling.
Pros: Styling, performance (220d), equipment
Cons: Lacks class leading space, stiff ride.
- K SHIVRAJ
