One thing about the Germans, when they give their cars reconstructive surgery, they make sure. This is a good thing because we can easily separate the then from the now, you are sure to see the changes/ differences right away. Innovation is one important tool to staying a good contender in the game.
Here’s a good example, the Mercedes Benz GLA200 and 200d. If you are familiar with the previous generation, you will be taken aback by the transformation for sure. The GLA is no longer the girl you used to know, she has become a woman, curvy in all the right places, 100mm taller and 30mm wider than its predecessor and with the GLA 200d’s Edition 1 kit, she’s extremely fierce! I drove the two models back to back and of course I was impressed, but if I had to choose I would opt for the 200d and I will explain why.
The two derivatives are both good quality cars, available in the 1.3-litre turbopetrol, the GLA 200 outputs 120kW/250Nm with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the 200d in a 2.0-litre turbodiesel outputs 110kW/320 with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both derivatives do not lift off with the utmost swiftness, but once they find their footing they perform quite satisfyingly.
The fave has an acclaimed consumption of 5.1-L/100km, THAT’S WHY it’s the fave! I did not fully go out of my way to test this but I do remember my trip to Limpopo and back without needing to stop for fuel. In this economy, any car that requires less time at the petrol station deserves an award in my book. But that is not the only reason I like the GLA 200d, the Edition 1 line comes with t red accents to the bodywork, grille and alloy wheels, these touches are extended to the interior on the leather seats, dash and floor mats. This gives the car a sophisticated and a touch of gangsterness that I really like.
Speaking of the interior, as Merc does, fully understood the assignment in terms of creating a luxury Crossover, the cabin is spacious and comfy. If you have set foot or seen the new A-Class, the interior is not too far off from that, the look and feel. The only annoying thing is having all this luxury including the price tag and still having to pull your seats back and forth manually. The electrically adjustable seats with memory will cost you extra. But what the GLAs lack in one area, makeup for in another, the MBUX infotainment system, and the 14 litre luggage capacity.
This segment has a couple of options one can look at, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 both good contenders but aesthetically speaking the GLA hits the spot. Raised chassis wise, the Q3 for me. There’s also the question of the premium price tag, spend this much on a bigger-nyana A-class or actually get the A-class?
It’s a matter of personal preference or lifestyle.
Model & Pricing
- GLA 200 – R674 000
- GLA 200d – R710 000
