Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: India Review
- by Team Zigwheels
- Sep 18, 2014
- | Views: 52006
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is finally here and promises to be a winner. We drive it to see how it fares.
Score: 4/5
Handling & braking
As we mentioned earlier, the GLA-Class does seem a little stiffer than its rivals. Although that does have a negative effect on ride comfort, it has a hugely positive effect on handling finesse. If there was ever a car to highlight the ‘sport’ part of a sports utility vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is it. Although the larger 18-inch wheels combined with the 235/50 R18 tyres does lend to some of the handling prowess of the GLA, its real ability is more than skin deep.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. This translates to flat and precise cornering abilities combined with the ability to take corners at higher speeds than one would usually expect. The large front and rear disc brakes combined with safety systems like ABS, EBD, ESP and traction control also help make the GLA-Class a very competent handler indeed. Ground clearance has also been addressed specifically for the Indian GLA-Class with 183mm on offer, nearly 30mm more than its international counterparts.
Score: 4.5/5
Price and Fuel efficiency
Although Mercedes-Benz has not really announced the pricing of the GLA-Class, expect them to aim straight at the likes of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 with it. While the diesel version should be priced at just under Rs 30 lakh, expect the petrol to be priced slightly higher at about Rs 31-32 lakh (ex-showroom). Not only will the GLA-Class make great value at this price point, it is also quite frugal to run.
According to ARAI tests, the diesel Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CDI offers a staggering 17.9kmpl whereas the petrol GLA 200 will offer an equally impressive 13.8kmpl.