Find your perfect new car<\/span> <\/p>\nFrom the outside, the updates are subtle, with a new \u2018star\u2019-design grille being the biggest revision. It\u2019s inside where the main changes take place, with the addition of Mercedes\u2019 latest touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and an updated MBUX 10.25-inch infotainment system. This is now exclusively touchscreen-based, and the pre-facelift car\u2019s Comand central control pad and shortcut buttons have been removed.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this is something of a backwards step, because while we\u2019re sure it cuts down on wiring and reduces costs, from a user\u2019s perspective it means that you have to either reach for the touchscreen \u2013 which can be a bit far away if your driving position is set back \u2013 or use the \u2018Hey Mercedes\u2019 voice control system or the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.<\/p>\n
These are logical in their layout, with the controls on the left spoke operating the central screen, and the right spoke buttons used for the driver\u2019s display, but the touch sensitivity can be patchy. Deliberate inputs can fail to be recognised by the system, while at other times settings can change as you\u2019re turning the wheel and accidentally brush against the buttons.<\/p>\n
These are criticisms that we\u2019ve levelled at the A-Class with the same set-up, and it\u2019s made doubly frustrating by the fact there\u2019s a large shallow trinket tray on the centre console where the Comand controller used to be. At least there\u2019s good storage ahead and behind this tray, with a deep cubby featuring a wireless charging pad, cup- holders and USB-C sockets ahead of it, plus another deep storage bin under the central armrest with yet more USB connections.<\/p>\n
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Cabin quality can\u2019t be faulted, either. There are plenty of premium materials, including the metal-effect air vents that operate with a satisfying click, while the multi-coloured LED ambient lighting gives the cabin an upmarket feel.<\/p>\n
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Compromises do have to be made with the CLA, though, and these largely centre around space in the rear. The sloping roofline means access to the back seats is tricky, while headroom is compromised once you\u2019re in. So is legroom, courtesy of the bulky sports seats up front. The CLA is more of a 4+1 layout, too, because the middle seat in the back is narrow.<\/p>\n
The CLA 200 driven here comes with a 161bhp 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that\u2019s connected to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox. The set-up is boosted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, but the transition from petrol to electric power at low speeds resulted in some very jerky responses from the system.<\/p>\n
The brakes in particular felt inconsistent, with a mix of physical braking, electrical assistance and energy recovery making it difficult to come to a smooth stop.<\/p>\n
Moving out of town and on to country roads, and the CLA felt better, with the fast steering delivering quick responses, but not a lot of feedback, while the neutral balance of the chassis and generous grip helped it be mildly entertaining on twisty roads. The engine delivers just enough performance, but isn\u2019t exactly searing, and is quite vocal when it\u2019s pushed, too.<\/p>\n
At motorway speeds, our car\u2019s 19-inch wheels added a firm edge to the ride, although not enough for it to be unbearable, and the CLA proved to be a refined high-speed cruiser, where the mild-hybrid system helped it to return impressive fuel economy.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nModel:<\/td>\n Mercedes CLA 200 AMG Line Premium Plus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPrice:<\/td>\n \u00a344,975<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPowertrain:<\/td>\n 1.3-litre 4cyl petrol mild hybrid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPower\/torque:<\/td>\n 161bhp\/270Nm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nTransmission:<\/td>\n Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, front wheel drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n0-62\/top speed:<\/td>\n 8.4 seconds\/142mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nEconomy\/CO2:<\/td>\n 47.9mpg\/142g\/km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSize (L\/W\/H):<\/td>\n 4,692\/1,834\/1,430mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOn sale:<\/td>\n Now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nSource: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The updated Mercedes CLA four-door coupe mixes style and tech to good effect 3.5 out of 5 How we review<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":244127,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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