A welcome entry into luxe affordability

Even as the booming luxury car segment continues to blossom in the Indian car market, a chunk of the action is seen in its lower realms. Cars, interestingly termed ‘affordable’ yet from a premium stable, are in much demand. They offer the same quality assurance, flaunt value and plush feeling, albeit in a more cost-effective package, perhaps owing to a few lesser features.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA series is an apt entry-level sedan of the German car inventor. The trim continues to reflect the A-Class series of cars with its facelift CLA 200d. While there aren’t many differences compared with the previous CLA editions, the eye-catching changes are reflected well through the redesigned LED lamps, minor tweaks to the front and rear bumpers, as well as some added chrome on the winglets and front splitters.

The compact luxury sedan appears quite tough, yet sleek. The body is exemplified by a swooping roof-line, side sporty look, frameless doors and aggressive looking 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels grab attention from every angle. The diamond radiator grille with pins in high-gloss black adds a sense of grace to the already impressive exterior design. With all these modified features, Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d will be one of the hot looking car of its kind.

Inviting cabin

While the interior looks similar to the A-Class, there are a lot of things that are lifted a few notches up to make the car feel a lot better.

The metallic strip across the retro sporty dashboard embellishing the interactive tablet with awesome resolution, along with the electrically-operated panoramic sunroof with censor that automatically closes when it rains, are testament to thee premium ambience that the ace carmaker ensures with every model.

A few thoughts must be shared about the infotainment system which sports a new display screen, and also gets software updates. The navigation system, reverse camera, on-board web browsing, full blown ‘Harman Kardon’ system, and smart dials are pleasing to the eyes. Seats are comfy as usual, and feather touch switch controls and keyless entry are the other special features. The car also sports a large boot space, as the spare tyre is tucked away within the boot floor.

Driving the distance

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d, as the name says, carries a 2,143-cc turbo diesel engine that produces 136 bhp @ 3,600-4,400 rpm and maximum torque of 300 Nm. This standard CLA is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch gear box, with front-wheel driven.

Though the car does not give the punch as other Mercedes cars, it boasts of a nice and healthy linear acceleration. The gear shifting is as smooth and quick as any respective segments cars. Overall it is a responsive machine with the gearbox simultaneously responding for the acceleration. The broad power sedan is drivable in all conditions. Be it on a city road, cutting through traffic or on the highway road. This strong mid range engine proves that it will serves quick bursts of powers when you need to overtake and makes driving effortless, with a top speed of 220 kmph. Mercedes-Benz, however, states that the 4-cylinder diesel engine is modest when it comes to fuel consumption, is low on emissions and impresses with significantly improved quiet-running characteristics and reduced vibrations.

However, the rough engine sound can never be expected from luxury carmakers, that too in an improved version of the CLA series. The engine sound is audible inside the cabin, especially when one is cruising at lower RPMs. But it is little frustrating, where at some point of times, the driver feels like he is cracking a whip in turning and putting more power to get the speed of actual Mercedes cars. This car has a flat acceleration curve, not really an enthusiastic engine, which is not meant to be pushed, because even putting the sport mode on there has a little effect in the power.

Without pushing hard, cruising comfortably on the highway, it gets the job done. This is where the company needs to work. To get the actual speed of Mercedes cars, the driver should opt for paddle shift to keep the machine in the power bands, and even at the time of overtaking and accelerating into the traffic gaps. Even the steering is little weighty in city limits, especially taking turns in hairpin curves and U-Turns, but it will not bother one much and gives a sense of security and safety in an open stretch driving. It’s not sporty, sharp and precise steering, but always feels like the car is in control.

The faster we cruse, the car feels the stable and planted. Straight line stability is its biggest strength, and it never gets unsettled at any sharp curves. The front-wheel drive doesn’t push you into the corners, but it gives a good level of confidence for any amateur drivers. At moderate speeds, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d feels composed and unruffled. The perfect body control with perfect dimensional tyre for an amazing road grip.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d is a driver’s delight as the drive can also be superbly experienced while seated in the back seat. As most of the luxury car buyers in India opt for chauffeurs, passengers sitting in the back seat may not have much leg or head room. Being an entry-level sedan and built from the A-Class, space is not really its strength. The integrated headrest will hamper visibility for rear seat passengers, as they have to lean on one side to look about. Space is a bit tight for three passengers, especially for taller passengers.

Even as the early CLA cars had found it tough to tackle rough sections on Indian roads, the makers have worked on improvements by softening the shocks and suspensions of the car, which one can feel while driving it. Even if the driver encounters deadly potholes and other obstacles, the improved shocks will not filter and it is not at all to the point of feeling harsh. Being a Merc, a handy, ‘affordable’ one at that, the CLA 200d will find enthusiastic customers no doubt. The smart looking young sedan is priced Rs 35.86 lakh (ex-showroom price).

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d

Verdict: The car assures an entry into the three-pointed starry universe.

Engine: 2,143-cc turbo diesel.

Max. Speed: 220 kmph.

Power: 136 bhp @ 3,600-4,400 rpm.

Torque: 300 Nm.

Price: Rs. 35.86 lakh (ex-showroom).