2017 Mercedes GLA Facelift Test Drive Review

Performance – We are quite familiar with the 2.1-litre diesel engine of Mercedes. We drove it in the lower tuned 200d guise earlier and now the facelift comes with a 220d 4MATIC version. This engine now produces 170 HP and 350 Nm, which is about 30 HP and 50 Nm increase over the 200d. The result? It feels quicker and more responsive in the mid-range and the throttle response is better. However, the acceleration is still linear and doesn’t provide that immediate thrust which you get with some of its rivals. Also, I’ve noticed this engine’s character across the A range which doesn’t feel that refined and is quite loud even at idle. The positive side is that it doesn’t drink much and you get a healthy tank range. The GLA also comes with driving modes that affect the throttle response and steering feel. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission with steering mounted paddle shifts offers smooth changes but isn’t the quickest when it comes to aggressive driving.

Driving Dynamics – Mercedes has upped its game in the dynamics department with the newer lot of cars. Same is the case with the GLA and its ride and handling balance. I really like the way it soaks bumps and takes undulations. You won’t feel out of place on bad Indian roads with this pliant ride quality. Well, ride has been Mercedes’ forte always but they have managed to strike the right balance of handling as well. The nose turns in quickly with your steering inputs and the feedback isn’t numb. It provides consistent feel while cornering and you know where it’s going. Body roll is there but it’s not to the extent that you get annoyed, the roll is controllable. I was a bit disappointed with the brakes of my test car because the previous publication who got hold of it had tested it on the BIC. The brake pads were worn off and the pedal feel was inconsistent.