An all-new A-Class model was launched early in 2018. 2019 kicks off with the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Click here to read our Mercedes-Benz A250 driving review.

Sales success

It may have not been extremely popular in the South African context (we love our hatchbacks in SA), but CLA sedan and Shooting Brake sales totalled 750 000 worldwide. In most cases, those buyers were new to the brand and much younger than the typical Mercedes owner.

The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA stays true to its four-door coupe roots. The front end is similar in execution to its A-Class sibling with flat headlamps, low slung bonnet and the diamond radiator grille. The front end is raked forwards with a long, stretched bonnet featuring powerdomes. An arching roofline terminates in a short bootlid. The overall effect is slippery shape with a Cd value of 0,23.

Inside the new CLA is equally easy on the eye. The widescreen display is completely free-standing. The lower section is visually separated from the main body of the instrument cluster, and it appears to float in front of the instrument cluster. Ambient lighting enhances this effect. The air vents in a sporty turbine-look are another highlight.

In its first year of production, the new CLA will also be available in Edition 1 guise. These models will have external and interior visual accents which underline their exclusivity. The new CLA will be manufactured at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary.

One engine announced

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA range debuts with the CLA 250. It features the same engine as found in the A250. The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is good for 165 kW of power with peak torque of 350 N.m. The engine is coupled with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes press release confirms that, by the market launch in May, there will be a broad range of diesel and petrol engines available featuring manual or dual-clutch transmissions and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Also expect a rip-snorting CLA45 AMG. You can read about the A45 AMG’s power output by clicking here.