Mercedes GLA-Class
Test driven on the Island by Peter White
Mercedes have joined the race to corner
the Crossover market with the arrival of
the GLA-Class range.
The GLA comes a direct competition for
the likes of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3,
and has all the quality you expect from
Mercedes.
Perhaps the one feature that stands
out is that the GLA is not as tall as you
would expect a Crossover to be; it is
compact rather than spacious, but
there is certainly no lack of comfort or
refinement, and its size will make it more
manageable for many drivers. It is an
evolution of the A-Class range, sharing
engine and gearbox technology, but with
an increased ride height.
This test drive, courtesy of Esplanade
Mercedes, Medina Avenue, Newport,
was in the turbo diesel, front-wheel
drive GLA 200 CDI, AMG line, with a
six-speed manual box. It has combined
fuel consumption figures of 62 MPG,
and road tax of just £30 per year, and
comes in at £26,850 OTR, There is also
the automatic version, and further
up the range comes the GLA 220
CDI four-wheel drive auto, and the
petrol-driven GLA 250 four-wheel drive
auto.
THE GLA eases over the Island’s
uneven roads, and the cabin’s sporty
appeal also includes such safety
features as overtake assist, as well as
blind spot and lane-keeping assist. The
comprehensive seven-inch COMAND
communications and entertainment
system embraces sat-nav, radio, single
CD/DVD, telephone function and media
interface. It is everything you come to
almost take for granted from Mercedes,
who never fail to please. And the GLA
range will undoubtedly become a firm
favourite with many Island motorists in
the months ahead.
Esplanade, Medina Avenue,
Newport, IW, PO30 1HG
Tel: 01983 523232
Fax: 01983 532661
www.esplanade.co.uk