Autumn 2013
CLA cool
Few brands have a vehicle spread that can attract
two generations of customers to their cars but that's
what Mercedes-Benz are aiming for with the recent
launch of the new CLA-Class saloon.
The car is aimed at attracting younger buyers to the
brand — young executives, male and female, either
solo owners or couples with young families.
Getting younger drivers into the car to take a
test drive is the first challenge. If they enjoy the
experience, they will think positively about buying a
Merc — either the New A-Class, or a CLA which is for
the 'non-conformist'.
This coupe-like 4-door is sleek and stylish with
that 'cool' factor that the brand wants to highlight.
The low roof and frameless windows add to the
sporty look. But tall people should mind their heads
when getting in and out due to the car's shape.
The interior of the review car was quite dark with a
black roof and seats but the wide silver band along
the dash and other bits of silverware brightened the
look well.
You get a good fit behind the wheel with all the
seat height manual adjustments and the leather
sports seat holds you in comfortably. All in all, the
CLA's interior is a good environment to be in, with
all the controls and switches directly to hand.
Instruments have that racy look with lots of round
shapes; the indented speedometer being on the left.
Alternatively you
can have your
speed shown in
big white digital
numbers on the trip computer. The big, free-standing
media display screen is right in your eyeline so you
don't take your eyes off the road.
The front armrest when opened reveals a good sized
area below. Other cubbies include a deep glovebox,
good door bins, cupholders and a lidded cubby on
the flat of the central console.
Visibility is good even over your right shoulder