Mercedes-Benz will launch the GLA crossover in India later this year during the festive season, and the CLA will be launched this month through the CLA 45 AMG. The regular variants of the CLA will be introduced next year.
Both cars have received new diesel engine options in the European market. The GLA has been given a new base variant in the GLA 180 CDI which is powered by the Renault 1.5-liter K9K motor (same unit found in the Duster in India). The engine is good for 109 bhp and 260 Nm of torque. It needs 11.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and it tops out at 190 km/h. However, efficiency wise, it is claimed to deliver 25 km/l with a 6-speed manual transmission, or 25.64 km/l with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The CLA 200 CDI makes use of the familiar 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine making 136 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. In the interest of economy, the engine gets an optimized belt drive system, a cylinder head package with camshaft roller bearing and additional finishing, optimisation of the vacuum pump, aluminium pistons with optimised assembly clearances and a low-friction ring package.
Available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, the sedan delivers 25 km/l with the latter gearbox and 24.39 km/l with the manual.
Mercedes CLA Competitors: Audi A3 Sedan
Mercedes GLA Competitors: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Volvo V40 Cross Country
Mercedes CLA Expected Price: INR 25-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Mercedes GLA Expected Price: INR 25-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Mercedes GLA - Image Gallery
New Engines for Mercedes CLA and GLA - Press Release
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