We’ve previously pushed the all-wheel push ’4Matic’ model, so this is the front-wheel push variation of the diesel-powered GLA. Of training course, the GLA is based mostly on the A-class assortment, but rides greater, has higher headroom and increased ground clearance.
What’s the variation between the 4-wheel drive and the front-push GLA diesels?
The ground clearance, interior room and turning circle are identical in the two entrance- and all-wheel push GLAs. The two use the very same 2.1-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel and 7-pace twin-clutch transmission, but the front-travel version has 134bhp in opposition to the 4Matic’s 168bh. It’s also 37lb ft less torque, but the front-driver still provides 221lb ft from 1400rpm.
Interestingly, Mercedes statements the identical 1535kg fat for equally cars in auto from, but thanks to the decrease output, its sixty two.8mpg heads-off the 4Matic 220′s fifty five.4mpg declare.
That also signifies it is slower – at nine.3sec, it really is a staggering 1.6sec slower from -62mph than the 4Matic’s eight.3sec assert. And, at £27,245 for the 7-pace auto, you’ll conserve £2605 at the vendor if you adhere with the sluggish-and-continual entrance-driven GLA 200 CDI.
How does it drive?
It seems like an SUV which is been dumped on airbag suspension: yet that is the GLA’s genuine stance. It feels a bit like that driving the wheel, too. It truly is not way too low, nor also large, and the windscreen feels sleeker than an SUV’s should to. That’s the notion, probably, but the GLA is certainly SUV when you generate it around a corner.
Initial, even though, the straight-line things. The driving placement is large, and there is certainly masses of adjustment in the driver’s seat to match the steering. There are shift-paddles for the 7-speed automatic that are plastic, but do not really feel flimsy or cheap. They match the steering wheel, which is chunky and effectively finished in perforated leather. All-round vision? Very good. Headroom? Same once again. Management weights? Somewhat mismatched.
What is it like around city?
Let us start with the throttle response. In the default Efficiency setting, you would surprise if this issue is a diesel. It tends to make all the clatter and chatter of an oiler -make no miscalculation – but the throttle reaction is so doughy you may feel you’ve got remaining the electronic park brake on. It brings together with the begin/cease to be lethargic, sloth-like and far also docile in eco-mode for fast gaps in site visitors, or even in the bun-struggle of scooters and cyclists in Central London.
Deciding on Sport assists: it presents a much far better underfoot truly feel, brisker take off and you can truly faucet into the torque. It’s considerably far more exciting and effective as a targeted traffic carver, and much more fulfilling to push. Our examination automobile has the AMG Line pack (not pictured), which fees £1000 and drops the GLA 15mm, adds 19in alloys and loads of exterior gloss.
The suspension is intriguing: the journey is organization, nevertheless its physique management is not as taut as it could be for the from time to time punishing trip. It really is a bit sloppy on modify of path, which is the place it gets apparent that you’re in a GLA, not an A-class hatch.
You will truly feel every single nuance of the road surface by means of the steering wheel, and it weights up into a corner but there is certainly no crispness beyond this. The only actual standout is the braking, which performs over and above the contact of obligation.
Verdict
If you can cope with the firmer ride of our AMG-geared up test vehicle, then this is an straightforward to stay with SUV. The standard suspension is little cushier, but no A-class or A-course derivative delivers a really quality, comfy journey like more substantial Mercedes can supply.
Must you choose it over the 4Matic version? If you’re right after a far more pedestrian, commuter design of drive, help save the running costs as you meander to 62mph if you are right after a GLA with more punch, the additional energy of the 4Matic makes the hefty quality really worth the stretch. We’ve just been upsold.
