We snagged a drive at the Mercedes plant at Chakan, near Pune, and came away rather pleased with what went down. Inside, there isn’t too much difference, with the addition of smartphone integration, keyless go, rain-sensing wipers, and a powered tail-gate. There’s also a ski-through access hatch in the rear seat arm-rest. Of course, the packaged spare wheel negates both boot volume and the access hatch. The equipment level is much better than that in the 200 and everything feels nicely put-together and has a quality touch. On the downside, it does feel quite cramped if you happen to be a large individual.
Thankfully, when it comes to getting a move on, the new GLA 220 d 4MATIC Activity Edition, to use its full name, is quite the spirited character. The driveline may not be exactly what the larger GLC uses, but the fact that the GLA is much lighter, 215 kg lighter, makes a huge difference to the feel. It isn’t much quicker off the line, but it has a chunkier torque spread and feels a bit more responsive and refined. The shifts, too, are reasonably quick. Turn-in still feels easy with the light steering wheel and the handling doesn’t seem too different either, except that the rear end claws in when needed and gives it a better planted feel.
What is important is that this one feels like the GLA they should have had all along. At least so far as performance is concerned, there is no real feeling that leaves you wanting for more. It’s got the pep it needed. Finally. However, the popularity of this compact SUV has been its styling and pricing, not to mention efficiency. While it has gotten better to drive and a bit more capable, it comes at a price — and a price that includes an actual price premium and slightly lower fuel efficiency. But it still looks just as sharp and I’m happy it now has the go to match. They’ve got it right this time, they have.
Need to Know: Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC Activity Edition
Price: Rs 38.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune)
Engine: 2,143 cc, in-line four, direct injection, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 170 PS @ 3,400-4,000 RPM
Max Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,400-3,400 RPM
Transmission: Seven-speed, twin-clutch, automatic, all-wheel-drive
Weight: 1,656 kg
