Unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show early this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) wasted no time in adding the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA to their local fleet. Like before, a total of three variants are offered, including the fire breathing GLA 45.
While it’s not an all-new model, the engineers at Stuttgart have worked hard to further refine this little crossover. A lower A-pillar step, redesigned exterior mirror housings, optimised rear silencer, roof spoiler and rear diffuser collectively reduced drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.28, improving fuel consumption and NVH levels.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 | Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC |
| Engine | 1,595cc; inline 4-cylinder turbo | 1,991cc; inline 4-cylidner turbo |
| Transmission | 7-speed G-DCT | |
| Max Power | 156 hp @ 5,300 rpm | 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,000 rpm | 350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 8.1 seconds; 215 km/h | 6.6 seconds; 230 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM239,888 | RM269,888 |
Visually, the LED headlamps get the similar single bar LED daytime running light as the A-Class and CLA, revised front grille, reshaped bumper and redesigned LED combination tail lamps. The entry level GLA 200 is dressed in Urban Line with Night Package that blacks out the radiator grille, wing mirrors and light-alloy wheels. It rides on 19-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the GLA 250 and you’ll get the AMG exterior package as standard that features the more aggressive AMG body kit. Night package is also a standard fitment on the GLA 250. It rides on 19-inch AMG lightweight alloy wheels.
Inside, the GLA 200 Urban Line features Artico leather with black Maringa fabric upholstery while the GLA 250 AMG line gets Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre upholstery. Elsewhere, standard equipment on both variants include leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with memory function, 8-inch Media Display Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, easy pack tailgate, cruise control and reverse camera. The GLA 250 AMG gets additional illuminated ‘AMG’ lettering door sills and AMG floor mats.
Motivation for the GLA 200 comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo with 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Century sprint is done and dusted in a respectable 8.1 seconds while top speed is rated at 215 km/h. The GLA 250 packs a larger and more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that churns out 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It hits the 100 km/h mark in 6.6 seconds and on full whack, the speedometer will read 230 km/h.
Unlike the pre-facelift model, the updated GLA is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drive is sent to the front wheels on the GLA 200 while the GLA 250 4MATIC has its drive sent to all four corners.
Both variants are equipped with comfort-oriented suspension that raises ride height by 20mm, befitting that of a family oriented crossover. Drivers can also select between five drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Off-Road via the Dynamic Select function. Each drive mode alters the response of the engine, transmission, steering and damping.
On the safety front, both GLAs come equipped with PRE-SAFE System, Active Brake Lights, Attention Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and active parking assist.
As with all Mercedes-Benz models, the GLA comes with a 4-Years unlimited mileage warranty package. Like with most models, Mercedes-Benz Financial is offering attractive financing deals for the GLA. With Hire Purchase Classic, interest rates starts from 1.88 percent to 2.28 percent whereas with Agility Financing, monthly repayments for the GLA starts from RM3,235.
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