We had seen the Mercedes GLA crossover concept earlier this year at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The production version of the Mercedes GLA has been officially revealed ahead of its global debut, which is scheduled to take place at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The 2014 Mercedes GLA crossover is based on the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform, as seen on the A-Class, B-Class and the CLA-Class. With the Mercedes GLA, the Stuttgart based luxury carmaker is targeting entry level crossovers such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
The Mercedes GLA crossover gets the same aggressive design tone seen on the A-Class and CLA-Class. Compared to the concept model, the production version’s styling is a bit tamed yet looks very attractive. The front profile reminds you of the A-Class but has been treated with broader elements like a bigger grille, grown up headlamps along with a more muscular hood. On the side, the crease lines are much sober on the GLA to give a sense of height unlike the A-Class that gets angular crease lines. It gets bigger alloy wheels and roof rails too.
Coming to the rear, the Mercedes GLA showcases busy styling starting from the chiseled roof spoiler to the jutting out tail lights connected via a chrome strip, ending with a meaty scuff plate housing dual exhausts. The interiors are also similar as the hatchback, which comes with different colour combinations depending on the trim levels. The crossover is 4417 mm long, 1804 mm wide and 1494 mm tall with a drag coefficient of 0.29. It boasts a luggage capacity of 421-litres which is flexible to 836-litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The Mercedes GLA is powered by both diesel and petrol engine options. The GLA200 gets a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 156 HP of power, while the GLA250 gets a 2.0-litre petrol motor churning out 211 HP of power returning 14 km/l of fuel efficiency. The GLA200 CDI gets a 2.2-litre diesel mill that is good for 136 HP of power with 300 Nm of torque returning 23.25 km/l of fuel economy. The GLA220 CDI is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel that produces 170 HP of power with 350 Nm of torque.
The optional four wheel drive system is available on the range topping versions of the GLA with Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and off-road transmission mode for mild off-roading. Bookings will open in the UK for the GLA by end of November this year, while deliveries will commence early next year. We expect Mercedes-Benz to introduce the GLA in India next year bringing it via the CKD route.
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