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Merc's GLA stunner launched in SA

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<b>SEXY NEW GLA:</b> Mercedes-Benz GLA has arrived in South Africa. Stay with Wheels24 for editor LES STEPHENSON’S driving impressions of Merc’s compact SUV stunner. <i>Image: MERCEDES</i>
<b>SEXY NEW GLA:</b> Mercedes-Benz GLA has arrived in South Africa. Stay with Wheels24 for editor LES STEPHENSON’S driving impressions of Merc’s compact SUV stunner. <i>Image: MERCEDES</i>
MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes-Benz's stylish GLA, debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt auto show, has arrived in SA and is set to take on local premium compact SUV rivals.

The GLA, the fourth of five new compact models from Mercedes, measures 4.4m long x 1.8m wide and 1.4m high.

MERCEDES GLA: South African launch gallery

The GLA can be ordered in three specifications (Style, Urban and AMG Sport Line) and can be further enhanced with Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa managing director Florian Seidler said: "As an SUV, the new GLA combines the key design values of progression and tradition, and is the SUV of the future.

"It is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes, but more youthful, sculptural and full of subtle drama."

POWER

Initially, the GLA will be offered with two four-cylinder diesel engines (200 CDI and 220 CDI 4MATIC) to be joined by two petrol-powered versions (1.6 200 and 2.0 250 4MATIC) in September 2014.

All derivatives are equipped with Eco stop/start and engines can be mated to a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT auto (standard for 250 4MATIC and 220 CDI 4MATIC units).

The 200 CDI produces 100kW/300Nm and can reach 100km/h in 10seconds on to a top speed of 205km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 4.5 litres/100km (4.3 in auto guise) with emissions of 119g/km.

The 220 CDI 4MATIC produces 125kW/350Nm and its diesel engine enables it to reach 100km/h in 8.3sec on to a top speed of 215km/h. Fuel consumption is 5.1 litres/100km (4.9 in auto) with emissions of 132g/km.

The petrol-powered GLA 200 produces 115kW/250Nm and reaches 100km in 8.9sec on to a top speed of 215km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres/100km with emissions of 139g/km.

The 250 4MATIC has 155kW/350Nm on tap, reaches 0-100km/h in 7.1sec and has a top speed of 230km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed six litres/100km (6.5 in auto guise) with emissions of 154g/km.

4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

The GLA is equipped with the automaker’s next-generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution (220 CDI 4MATIC and 250 4MATIC).

Units equipped with 4MATIC have downhill speed regulation (DSR) and an off-road transmission mode. The DSR assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed selected through the vehicle's cruise control - right down to less than walking speed.

The off-road transmission mode alters gear shifts and acceleration for driving on "light off-road terrain". In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and Comand Online (optional extra), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display.

Inside, its Command online multimedia system offers an improved map display, an additional Bluetooth profile (to enable internet access via iPhone) and image display (additionally in bmp and png formats).

MORE FROM MERCEDES

Seidler, said: "The new GLA rounds off our extensive SUV portfolio (GLA, ML, GL and G-Class). We offer the widest range of any premium manufacturer and meet all the individual mobility wishes of our customers. At the same time the GLA-Class is the fourth new compact model from Mercedes-Benz.

"Sales figures demonstrate how well these new compact models are received by customers: in 2013, worldwide 371 399 vehicles from the A and B-Class and the new CLA Coupe were delivered (+64%). Especially gratifying is the high conquest rate of the new A-Class.”

Prices
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 - R398 800    
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC - R558 900    
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CDI - R422 700    
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 CDI 4MATIC - R489 000

The GLA is sold with a six-year or 100 000km PremiumDrive maintenance contract.
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