The GLA 200 CDI packs the capable 2,143-cc in-line four turbo-diesel motor, which, in this guise, makes 136 PS and a good amount of torque, 300 Nm to be precise, which arrives at a low 1,400 RPM. The car packs three drive modes: ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’, and the 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It does feel a bit heavy when you get a move on in ‘Eco’, but switch to ‘Sport’ and all is right again. It accelerates well and the steering feel is very good.
The GLA can even take corners well and feels planted. Handling seems well-sorted and a quick lane-change doesn’t disturb the car’s balance. However, if you happen to tackle a corner at speed and need to brake halfway through it, the GLA feels skittish, almost limping out of line very briefly; probably the only blemish in the handling department.
The road to Chail had a detour which looked like an unused road heading down to the river. Good! Time to head down and see what it could really handle. That steep incline was nothing but gravel and water and it would be a test for the grip and road-holding capabilities. It went down without a hitch. There are no crawl ratios or hill-descent control in action, just a natural downhill motion which didn’t have us on the edge of our seats. The GLA tackled elevation changes and rock surfaces well and actually felt like the sibling of the big G. So it can handle the rough quite well too. Mercedes did mention 4MATIC variants, but didn’t say when. Either way, if you want a compact SUV with a three-pointed star on the grille, this is it!
Need to Know: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 CDI
Engine: 2,143-cc, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Output: 136 PS at 3,400-4,000 RPM; 300 Nm at 1,400-3,000 RPM
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic, front-wheel drive
Price (OTR, Pune): Sport – Rs 42.65 lakh; Style – Rs 47.95 lakh
Mercedes-Benz GLA200
Mercedes-Benz also launched the GLA200 turbo-petrol packing the 1,991-cc motor from the C- and E200. With 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque, coupled to that fantastic 7G-DCT seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, it puts even more power and rev-happy refinement at your disposal. It also receives the same equipment level, including the COMAND infotainment system and the panoramic sunroof. Quite a petrol proposition, then.
Need to Know: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Sport
Engine: 1,991-cc, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Output: 184 PS at 5,250 RPM; 300 Nm at 1,200-4,000 RPM
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic, front-wheel drive
Price (OTR, Pune): Rs 46.8 lakh
