CLA 2014-2016 200 CDI Style Review
Mercedes Benz India has a large fleet of cars in its portfolio and recently, another model has been added to its line-up. It is none other the most desirable CLA class sedan and it is introduced in quite a few trims. Among those, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 CDI Style is the entry level variant. This trim is powered by the advanced 2.2-litre diesel engine that churns out a power of 134bhp along with a torque of 300Nm. This sedan has a breathtaking external appearance like any other Mercedes Benz model in this segment owing to its aerodynamic body structure and a lot of character lines. It also gets an elegant diamond pattern radiator grille with silver painted louver and pins in high gloss black. Like its exteriors, its interiors too have an attractive design that is further decorated with attractive metallic accents. The elegance of the cabin is further amplified by illuminated control switches. Its ergonomically designed front seat have electrical adjustment facility including lumbar support that further adds to the comfort. In terms of safety, this trim has all the passive and active safety features including ABS, ATTENTION ASSIST system, six airbags and three point ELR seatbelts. Currently, this vehicle is competing with the likes of Audi A3, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S40 in the luxury sedan segment.
Exteriors:
Arguably, this Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 200 CDI looks to be the most stylish sedan available in the German car maker's portfolio. The reason is because of its exemplary body structure complimented by its character lines all round. It has an aerodynamic front facade that is skilfully fitted with a diamond radiator grille featuring a silver garnished louver and high-gloss pins. Surrounding this is the stylish headlight cluster, which is powered by bi-xenon headlamps along with signature LED DRLs. Its front bumper has a rugged structure featuring a small pair of air ducts along with a massive air intake section. Its side profile looks even stunning owing to its coupe-like body structure. This facet gets a lot of chrome accents on its window sills, while high gloss black accents are given on its B pillars. Its most attractive wheel arches are fitted with robust set of 5-spoke design lightweight rims painted, which further enhances its elegance. Its rear facet looks stunning, as its curvy boot lid is surrounded by radiant taillight cluster. It is further equipped with LED turn indicators and brake lights, which amplifies this facet.
Interiors:
Likes its stylish exteriors, this sedan also has a luxuriant interior design, as it is made using leather and premium scratch resistant material. Its cabin has an eye-soothing dual tone color scheme, which is further decorated with wood accents. Furthermore, it also gets a lot of chrome accents, especially on its dashboard, steering wheel, instrument cluster and door panels. Like mentioned above, both the front seats are ergonomically designed and are integrated with power adjustable function along with lumbar support. While the rear bench seats have split folding facility, which is helpful to increase the boot capacity. Its dashboard has a very attractive design embracing a large instrument cluster. It has twin-pipe design with two analogue meters and a multi-functional display, which keeps the driver informed. While the steering wheel has an attractive three spoke design and it is mounted with various illuminated control switches, which provides added convenience to the driver. Its cockpit has a commanding driver’s position with better viewing angles and all control switches located well within reach.
Engine and Performance:
Powering this variant is the advanced 2.2-litre diesel engine that has a common rail fuel injection technology. This motor comprises of four in-line cylinders and 16-valves, which displaces 2143cc. It also has a twin-power turbocharger that helps it to deliver an exceptional performance. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 134bhp at 3600 to 4000rpm that results in a peak torque output of 300Nm in the range of 1600 to 3000rpm. The manufacturer has mated this motor to an advanced seven speed DSG automatic transmission gearbox that delivers the torque output to its rear wheels. This vehicle is capable of giving away a peak mileage of about 17 Kmpl, which is quite good. On the other hand, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph mark in 9.8 seconds and can go up to a top speed of 220Kmph.
Braking and Handling:
Like any other Mercedes Benz model, this sedan is blessed with internally vented disc braking mechanism for all its four wheels, which delivers efficient performance. Furthermore, they are also integrated with a current generation anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system, which collaborates with ESP to keep the vehicle stable irrespective of road condition. This vehicle gets a McPherson strut system on its front axle and new four-link suspension at its rear axle, which keeps the vehicle well balanced.
Comfort Features:
This Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 200 CDI Style is the entry level trim in its series that has all the comfort features to pamper the occupants. It has a list of features including multi-functional steering wheel with gearshift paddles, ECO start/stop function, electronic stability program, cruise control system featuring 'SPEEDTRONIC' variable speed limiter and a central media display with high gloss black finishing. In addition to these, this trim also gets 4-way lumbar support for front seats, front center armrest, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory package, illuminated glove box compartment and heated rear window with timer control. The automaker has also blessed this variant with an in-car entertainment system featuring a 14.7CM screen and Bluetooth interface with hands-free operation.
Safety Features:
This sedan has a high strength body structure made with high tensile steel that includes impact protection beams and crumple zones, which can absorb the collision impact and reduces the risk of injury. The list includes anti lock braking system, ASSYST service interval reminder, brake pad wear indicator, electronic stability program with acceleration skid control and brake assist system. Furthermore, it also has features like three point seat belts, six airbags, adjustable head restraints, central locking system with interior switch, crash sensor and an electronic engine immobilizer.
Pros:
1. Acceleration and pickup seems to be good.
2. External appearance is rather remarkable.
Cons:
1. Fuel economy is not as good as other sedans.
2. Lack of Harman Kardon music system is a drawback.
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