Can Mercedes-Benz’s trendy CLA be of any worth in ballistic 381hp form?
What’s new?
When it comes to pocket rockets, Mercedes-Benz is the only premium brand in Thailand to offer a range of such cars from its high-performance AMG division.
All priced at under five million baht, the 45-badged models of the A, CLA and GLA have been given a mid-life facelift and a 21hp power hike for their 2.0-litre turbocharged engines.
While some of these 381hp machines have some obvious rivals in other markets, it’s the CLA45 in particular that begs for some attention with its niche-breaking coupe-cum-saloon (coupaloon, if you like) body style.
The closest thing that comes to the CLA45 is probably the four-door Audi RS3, which is not sold in Thailand. But there’s the two-door Audi TT S which is a shade cheaper in price and performance (see graphic below).
One might be tempted to put the BMW M2 into perspective. But in BMW’s marketing game, the hot baby coupe is positioned slightly higher at six million baht with six-pot turbo power.
What’s cool?
The pre-facelift CLA45 wasn’t really short on power with 360hp available to play around with. Can you feel the extra grunt of just 21hp? Well, probably, if you can find an empty bit of road to hit the car’s electronically limited top speed.
And it’s here where the CLA45 (naturally) feels as the faster car than the TT S (the 400hp TT RS isn’t sold in Thailand). And just like in the Audi, this Merc comes with all-wheel-drive to give it a planted feel during hard acceleration and when powering out of corners.
The drive mode selector in the CLA45 have been enhanced to yield more progressive intensity in terms of drivetrain response and steering weight. If you want to go fast (which you’d definitely want), the best mode is Sport+ thanks to the sharp throttle, meaty steering and audible gear-shift blips.
The CLA45 sold here only comes with passive suspension. But that isn’t a bad thing because the setup seems to be just right by feeling solid at high speeds and comfy enough around town.
Mild may facelifts generally be, but the CLA45 still looks fresh with its more accentuated bumpers and interior trim highlighted with some dashes of red colour to play the sport effect AMGs are all about.
What’s not?
While you can feel the marginal increase in power in certain driving conditions, performance in the CLA45 still remains on the clinical side of things. That’s maybe because the engine only revs to 6,000rpm and sounds a little unexciting. The seven-speed automatic also doesn’t shift that snappily for a dual-clutcher.
This is where the TT S seems to have some subjective advantages over the CLA45, despite it being inferior in straight line punch. In the TT S, the twin-clutch auto shifts satisfyingly quicker, exhaust system sounds naughtier and the engine feels more free-revving.
Sure, the CLA45 has proper rear doors to offer natural access. But the rear bench is quite a tight squeeze for tall person. At least, it’s not pathetic as in the TT S whose aggressive sloping roof, however, hollers its design icon and image.
Then there’s the dashboard design. Sure the Merc’s analogue dials still fell classy and the overall finish is solid, but it simply lacks the Audi’s cleanly designed and modern digital variation. No wonder Merc is in a hurry to preview the cabin of the next-generation A-class (see sidebar at the bottom of this page), CLA and GLA.
Buy or bye?
Conceptually speaking, the CLA45 and TT S should appeal to different people due to their varying body styles. But if you’re looking for the more practical pocket, it’s a no-brainer which one wins.
The CLA45 also holds the aces when it comes to outright performance by feeling quicker anywhere, partially explaining its circa-300k price premium. But the TT S somehow feels a little more special to drive.
Logic might say Benz, but emotion probably goes to Audi. Take your pick.
NEXT-GEN INTERIOR OFFICIALLY REVEALED
While the next-generation A-class hatchback has yet to be shown in full metal, Mercedes-Benz has officially issued a picture of its interior design.
Inherited largely from the E-class, the fascia layout includes a widescreen whose operation can be done via buttons on the steering wheel. Also featuring are five classy rotary-style air vents.
Although the current A-class – along with its CLA and GLA siblings – isn’t short on perceptive quality, Mercedes is set to boost it even further with classier trim and ambience lighting.
This treatment has also been extended to the G-class, which will be unveiled in heavily revised form possibly at January’s Detroit motor show. It’s claimed than the new A-class will launch in Geneva in March, with other body derivatives coming later in periodical stages.
