First Drive: Mercedes CLA Coupe

The New Mercedes-Benz CLA 4-door coupé

With hints of the larger CLS the new Mercedes CLA demands attention, but can it deliver on those good looks asks Geraldine Herbert

What is it? It is over 6 years ago since the first Mercedes-Benz’s CLA 4-door coupé arrived in Ireland and now an all-new version has just been launched and aims to turn the heads of younger buyers.

Is it a looker? This car is a good hair day on wheels with a diamond patterned grille and swooping roofline. It is a slick four-seater with rakish looks and coupe-like curves.

What about the interior? Sliding into the CLA is a joy and the cabin is familiar from the A-Class with everything you would expect from a Mercedes. Stylish and modern the dials clear and elegant, the seats incredibly comfortable and it is beautifully finished throughout, driver and passengers will want for little. On the downside, the visibility is not great and the sloping roofline makes headroom in the back a little sparse.

Under the bonnet? Engines range from “that will do nicely” to “ohhhh that’s fast” and include four petrol engines and one diesel engine with further diesel models to follow.

The CLA comes with a suite of features that includes full-colour displays, navigation and augmented reality aids, voice activated controls, and software that can actually ‘learn’ what the driver’s needs may be

And on the road? The Mercedes CLA rides smoothly but it never quite delivers the sporty performance that the exterior hints at on the road but it is enjoyable to drive, whatever the journey.

Will it break the bank? Good looks and poise don’t come cheap so you’ll need upwards of €34,000 to get your hands on a CLA. On the flipside, the CLA has almost everything you could want as standard including the voice-activated ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance system.

How safe is it? Safety provisions are first rate and every CLA gets enhanced brake assist, emergency stop and lane change assist. Also included as standard are halogen headlamps with integrated LED daytime driving lamps. LED tail lights are also available.

Why you will like it? Stylish, well equipped the CLA is the one to turn heads

What it says about you?  Expensive and stylish – sounds like your perfect partner.

3 words to describe the Mercedes CLA; Sleek, Stylish, Safe

 

For more information on the Mercedes-Benz, CLA Coupe check out mercedesbenz.ie  the Mercedes Benz Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here

 

Geraldine Herbert
10th May 2019

Author: Geraldine Herbert

Motoring Editor and Columnist for the Sunday Independent and editor of wheelsforwomen. Geraldine is also a regular contributor to Good Housekeeping (UK), EuroNews and to RTÉ, Newstalk, TodayFM, BBC Radio and Vigin Media. You can follow Geraldine on Twitter at @GerHerbert1

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