Sleek-looking version of four-door A-Class enters its second generation with spicy looks, smarter interior and more powerful petrol engines.
Erm… which four-door is what?
When Mercedes-Benz renewed its small car family last year in second-generation form, it spearheaded the global launch with the A-Class hatchback wearing a new shark-like face.
Shortly after, the Stuttgart chaps took the wraps off the sedan variant coming with regular and long wheelbase forms, the latter made just for China. Then there was the MPV-like B-Class.
In Las Vegas this week, another variation has made its world premiere. It’s the sleek-looking CLA which may also have a three-box package but with four frameless door windows to stand out.
The latest CLA measures 4,688mm long and 1,830mm wide representing increases of 48mm and 53mm respectively when compared with the outgoing model. The 2,729mm wheelbase is 30mm longer, as well.
Wheel sizes range from 16-19 inches and Mercedes has chosen to highlight the new CLA with Edition pack, as seen here in these pictures, with sporty wheels, colours and trim.
Like in the other renewed siblings, the CLA gains on MBUX technology. Further facilitating this is the so-called Interior Assist which, broadly speaking, aims to make lives easier for drivers (like adjusting reading lamps when the car notices a gesture made by users).
Not bad. Is there a new AMG range-topper with 400hp yet?
The only engine variance Mercedes has announced initially for the CLA is 225hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo mated to seven-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels.
Joining this so-badged CLA250 would be the CLA200 featuring a less powerful 190hp. Smaller 1.3-litre petrol engines and diesel options should eventually come.
As for the all-wheel-drive AMG derivatives, the only one revealed so far is the 306hp A35 paving way for the yet-to-be-born CLA35.
The A45 and CLA45 in second-gen form haven’t been released yet, but leaked info on the internet suggests a rise in power from 381hp to 421hp derived from a highly modified version of the 2.0-litre petrol motor.
So what’s coming when to Thailand?
Up this point, the Thai Mercedes office is planning to unleash three derivatives. First up is the A-Class sedan which is set to be introduced before the Bangkok motor show in March.
It would then be at this particular auto trade fair where the hot A35 hatch joins the range with the CLA250 likely to be previewed before deliveries start mid-year.
Aside the circa-three million baht A35, expect the A-Class and CLA to cost between two to 2.5 million baht.
