Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) Review

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

motoreasy logo

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) Verdict

3/5

+Small and stylish saloon based on the A-Class. Better quality ride. Decent sized boot given its size. Well finished interior. Better looking estate version from 2015.

-Not particularly engaging or rewarding to drive. Rear seats are only really any good for occasional use.

Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018)

Insurance Groups are between 20–46
On average it achieves 74% of the official MPG figure

In creating the the CLA, Mercedes-Benz has essentially given the A-Class a CLS-style makeover and in an instant small saloons have just got sexy. Without a saloon option for the latest generations of Focus and Astra, buyers looking for a small car with a boot haven't had much choice and the Volkswagen Jetta has pretty much had the market to itself.

But the Jetta, for all its qualities, doesn't have the cachet of a Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW. And this is why the CLA is particularly noteworthy. It's the starting gun for small saloons from all three of the premium German manufacturers.

The CLA itself is pitched as a having the look of the larger CLS, but without the price tag. There is certainly a resemblance there, with a distinctive, rakish rear that blurs the line between saloon and coupe. As it stands, there's nothing like it on the market, so Mercedes-Benz is pretty confident that it will fly out of showrooms – even priced at £24,355 for the Sport and £26,555 for the AMG Sport. That's a couple of grand less than a C-Class, but still a hefty premium over an A-Class hatchback.

Being based on the A-Class means front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. It's a limited line up from launch, with just the CLA 180 petrol and CLA 220 CDI diesel on offer. Later in 2013 came the CLA 200 CDI and CLA 250, as well as the headline-grabbing CLA 45 AMG with 355PS.

Up front, it's very similar to the A-Class with very upmarket-looking controls that have a top quality feel to them. It also has an iPad-esque tablet mounted to the dash. It's standard and is how many of the car's functions, including the stereo and sat nav, are accessed. Right now it looks smart and is an innovation, but with the current pace of technological advances, you can't help but wonder whether it will start to look rather dated in a few years' time.

Overall the CLA offers a new spin for buyers whose default choice may previously have been an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. The looks won't be to everyone's taste, but those who like the coupe-like look or have previously fancied a CLS, but haven't had the cash, will not just like it, but will love it.

Road Test Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) handling and engines

Being based on the A-Class means front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. It's a limited line up from launch, with just the CLA 180 petrol and CLA 220 CDI diesel on offer. Later in 2013 comes the CLA 200 CDI and CLA 250, as well as the headline-grabbing CLA 45 AMG with 355PS. Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is offered on the continent and could make it over here in time for Winter 2013, competing with Audi's quattro and BMW's recently-introduced (to the UK anyway) xDrive system.

As ever with Mercedes-Benz, the badge on the boot doesn't necessarily reflect what's under the bonnet. In the CLA 180's case, it's a 1.6-litre petrol with 122PS. With 0-62mph coming in 9.2 seconds, it certainly isn't that quick, but it does offer decent economy (on paper at least). The combined figure is 50.4mpg and it emits 126g/km CO2. That's pretty good for a car of this size. Not only does it mean cheap road tax, but up against larger saloons it will look good on company car lists too.

But the one that most buyers will opt for is the CLA 220 CDI. As its name doesn't suggest, it's a 2.1-litre diesel with 170PS and gets from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 143mph. It's an engine that we like: punchy, flexible and with 350Nm of torque available, it doesn't hang around when it comes to overtaking. Emissions are pretty good too, at 117g/km and official economy is 62.8mpg. In the larger C-Class, owners report in our Real MPG section that the figure for this is engine is up to 93 per cent of the official figure.

The CLA 220 CDI gets Mercedes-Benz's 7G-DGT seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It's not a bad gearbox and changes are generally swift and smooth, though in situations where you need to change several gears quickly, it can feel as though it has been caught out.

One area where the new A-Class has come in for criticism is in the way it rides – it's too choppy, too firm and often downright uncomfortable. So it's no surprise that Mercedes-Benz has brought in a few changes to improve comfort, including revised damper settings, specially-calibrated shock absorbers and an entirely new rear suspension subframe.

And, to a degree, it's worked. While it remains a firm riding car, it's far smoother at higher speeds and can now be specified with Comfort or Sport suspension. Comfort gives a better blend of ride comfort and dynamics and is standard on CLA Sport models.

The CLA doesn't offer a particularly engaging or rewarding driving experience when compared to the likes of the Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. Body control could be better, especially when it's being pushed, but the steering is nicely weighted and gives a reasonable amount of precision.

For those looking for outright speed, there's the petrol-powered 211PS CLA 250, but don't expect to get your hands on it until later in the year. Until the CLA 45 AMG puts in appearance, this will be the fastest CLA, with a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. In reality, it lacks excitement and feels much slower than that and the C220 CDI – despite being slower on paper – has so much more usable power. Neither does it offer particularly impressive economy: 46.3mpg and 142g/km. For outright power we'd wait for the CLA 45 AMG or opt for the C220 CDI which offers a better blend of both.

For many people, knowing that this is the most aerodynamic car you can buy (the Cd figure is as low as 0.22) will bring little more than shrug of the shoulders. But it's worth mentioning as it's not just Merc engineer showboating – it brings tangible benefits to fuel consumption. For every decrease of 0.04Cd, there's the same fuel economy saving as dropping the kerbweight by 100kg. A couple of tricks that the CLA uses to enhance its slippery shape are a front grille with shutters that close at speed, specially-shaped door mirrors, fins in the rear lights and vents in the wheel arch linings.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
CLA 180 42–51 mpg 9.0–9.3 s 128–152 g/km
CLA 180 Automatic 46–53 mpg 8.7–9.2 s 122–141 g/km
CLA 200 44 mpg 8.2 s 147 g/km
CLA 200 Automatic 44 mpg 7.9 s 146 g/km
CLA 200 CDI 64 mpg 9.4 s 117 g/km
CLA 200 CDI Automatic 63 mpg 9.3 s 118 g/km
CLA 200 d 67 mpg 9.5 s 109 g/km
CLA 200 d Automatic 71 mpg 9.0 s 105 g/km
CLA 220 39 mpg 7.1 s 168 g/km
CLA 220 CDI 63 mpg 8.2 s 117 g/km
CLA 220 d 4Matic Automatic 51 mpg 7.7 s 145 g/km
CLA 220 d Automatic 52–69 mpg 7.7 s 106–142 g/km
CLA 220 d Automatic 4Matic 59 mpg 7.7 s 123 g/km
CLA 250 42 mpg 6.5 s 156 g/km
CLA 250 4Matic 43 mpg 6.6 s 154–158 g/km
CLA 250 AMG 42 mpg 6.5 s 156 g/km
CLA 250 Automatic 46–46 mpg 6.4 s 141–143 g/km
CLA 250 Automatic 4Matic 42–44 mpg 6.4–6.6 s 150–160 g/km
CLA 45 AMG 33–41 mpg 4.2–4.6 s 162–194 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

74%

Real MPG

22–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

93

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) interior

Dimensions
Length 4630–4691 mm
Width 1777–2032 mm
Height 1416–1436 mm
Wheelbase 2699 mm

Full specifications

That slippery shape doesn't help when it comes to rear space. While the two front passengers have plenty of head and leg-room, that's not the case in the rear. Headroom is tight, very tight in fact, and is the big giveaway that this has been developed from the A-Class rather than the C-Class. Although there are three seats, it's a real squeeze for two in the back and the sloping roof line means many adults will find their heads hitting the rooflining. If you're only going to occasionally use the rear seats, you can probably get away with it, but if you have older children and expect to be using the rear regularly, it may well be enough to put you off the CLA altogether.

Up front, it's very similar to the A-Class with very upmarket-looking controls that have a top quality feel to them. It also has an iPad-esque tablet mounted to the dash. It's standard and is how many of the car's functions, including the stereo and sat nav, are accessed. Right now it looks smart and is an innovation, but with the current pace of technological advances, you can't help but wonder whether it will start to look rather dated in a few years' time.

The boot is impressive. At 470 litres, it's 130 litres more than an A-Class and and just five litres short of a C-Class. It opens at a good height, too, so it's pretty easy to load and unload. Unusually for a saloon, it gets split-folding rear seats as standard, which lends it a little extra practicality.

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4630–4691 mm
Width 1777–2032 mm
Height 1416–1436 mm
Wheelbase 2699 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1395–1585 kg
Boot Space 470 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 12500–15500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Costs
List Price £24,355–£49,380
Insurance Groups 20–46
Road Tax Bands B–J
Official MPG 32.8–70.6 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until August 2019

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 1.6 AMG Line Edition 4dr £27,395 42.2 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 AMG Line Edition Auto 4dr £28,685 45.6 mpg 8.7 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Edition 4dr £28,610 44.1 mpg 8.2 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Edition Auto 4dr £30,210 44.1 mpg 7.9 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Night Edition 4dr £30,620 44.1 mpg 8.2 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Night Edition Auto 4dr £32,220 44.1 mpg 7.9 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Night Edition PlUS 4dr £32,315 44.1 mpg 8.2 s
200 1.6 AMG Line Night Edition Plus Auto 4dr £33,915 44.1 mpg 7.9 s
220 2.0 AMG Line Night Edition 4MATIC Auto 4dr £34,855 38.7 mpg 7.1 s
220 2.0 AMG Line Night Edition Plus 4MATIC Auto 4dr £36,550 38.7 mpg 7.1 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line Night Edition 4MATIC Auto 4dr £36,185 51.4 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line Night Edition Auto 4dr £34,585 52.3 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line Night Edition Plus 4MATIC Auto 4dr £37,880 51.4 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line Night Edition Plus Auto 4dr £36,280 52.3 mpg 7.7 s
45 2.0 AMG Night Edition 4MATIC Auto 4dr £46,785 32.8 mpg 4.2 s
45 2.0 AMG Night Edition Plus 4MATIC Auto 4dr £48,480 32.8 mpg 4.2 s

On sale until October 2018

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 1.6 AMG Line 4dr £28,695 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 AMG Line Auto 4dr £30,295 52.3 mpg 8.7 s
180 1.6 Sport 4dr £26,495 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 Sport Auto 4dr £28,095 52.3 mpg 8.7 s
180 1.6 Whiteart 4dr £29,540 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 Whiteart Auto 4dr £31,140 52.3 mpg 8.7 s
200d 2.1 AMG Line 4dr £30,845 67.3 mpg 9.5 s
200d 2.1 AMG Line Auto 4dr £32,445 70.6 mpg 9.0 s
200d 2.1 Sport 4dr £28,645 67.3 mpg 9.5 s
200d 2.1 Sport Auto 4dr £30,245 70.6 mpg 9.0 s
200d 2.1 Whiteart 4dr £31,690 67.3 mpg 9.5 s
200d 2.1 Whiteart Auto 4dr £33,290 70.6 mpg 9.0 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line 4MATIC Auto 4dr £35,515 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 AMG Line Auto 4dr £33,875 68.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Sport 4MATIC Auto 4dr £33,315 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Sport Auto 4dr £31,675 68.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Whiteart 4MATIC Auto 4dr £36,360 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Whiteart Auto 4dr £34,720 68.9 mpg 7.7 s
250 2.0 AMG 4dr £33,745 42.2 mpg 6.5 s
250 2.0 AMG 4MATIC Auto 4dr £36,945 41.5 mpg 6.4 s
250 2.0 AMG Auto 4dr £35,035 45.6 mpg 6.4 s
250 2.0 Whiteart AMG 4dr £36,520 42.2 mpg 6.5 s
250 2.0 Whiteart AMG 4MATIC Auto 4dr £39,720 41.5 mpg 6.4 s
250 2.0 Whiteart AMG Auto 4dr £37,810 45.6 mpg 6.4 s
45 2.0 AMG 4MATIC Auto 4dr £45,010 40.9 mpg 4.2 s
45 2.0 AMG Yellow Night Edition 4MATIC Auto 4dr £49,380 38.7 mpg 4.2 s

On sale until June 2016

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 1.6 AMG Sport 4dr £27,250 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 AMG Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £28,700 53.3 mpg 8.7 s
180 1.6 Sport 4dr £25,050 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
180 1.6 Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £26,500 53.3 mpg 8.7 s
200d 2.1 AMG Sport 4dr £29,400 67.3 mpg 9.5 s
200d 2.1 AMG Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £30,850 70.6 mpg 9.0 s
200d 2.1 Sport 4dr £27,200 67.3 mpg 9.5 s
200d 2.1 Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £28,650 70.6 mpg 9.0 s
220d 2.1 AMG Sport 4MATIC Auto 4dr £33,780 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 AMG Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £32,280 67.3 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Orangeart 4MATIC Auto 4dr £35,780 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Orangeart Auto 4dr £34,280 67.3 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Sport 4MATIC Auto 4dr £31,580 58.9 mpg 7.7 s
220d 2.1 Sport 7G-Tronic 4dr £30,080 67.3 mpg 7.7 s
250 2.0 AMG 4dr £32,135 42.2 mpg 6.5 s
250 2.0 AMG 4MATIC Auto 4dr £35,085 42.2 mpg 6.4 s
250 2.0 AMG Auto 4dr £33,545 46.3 mpg 6.4 s
45 2.0 AMG 4MATIC Auto 4dr £42,665 38.7 mpg 4.2 s

On sale until August 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
250 2.0 211 4MATIC AMG Sport 4dr Auto £33,440 42.8 mpg 6.6 s
250 2.0 211 4MATIC Engineered by AMG Auto 4dr £33,840 44.1 mpg 6.6 s
45 2.0 360 4MATIC AMG 4dr Auto £42,270 39.8 mpg 4.6 s

On sale until August 2014

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
200 CDI AMG Sport 136 4dr £29,125 64.2 mpg 9.4 s
200 CDI AMG Sport 136 Automatic 4dr £30,575 62.8 mpg 9.3 s
200 CDI Sport 136 4dr £26,925 64.2 mpg 9.4 s
200 CDI Sport 136 Automatic 4dr £28,375 62.8 mpg 9.3 s

On sale until September 2013

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 AMG Sport 4dr £26,555 50.4 mpg 9.3 s
180 AMG Sport Auto 4dr £28,005 51.4 mpg 9.2 s
180 Sport 4dr £24,355 50.4 mpg 9.3 s
180 Sport Auto 4dr £25,805 51.4 mpg 9.2 s
200 CDI AMG Sport 4dr £28,705 64.2 mpg 9.4 s
200 CDI AMG Sport Auto 4dr £30,155 62.8 mpg 9.3 s
200 CDI Sport 4dr £26,505 64.2 mpg 9.4 s
200 CDI Sport Auto 4dr £27,955 62.8 mpg 9.3 s
220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr Auto £31,555 62.8 mpg 8.2 s
220 CDI Sport 4dr Auto £29,355 62.8 mpg 8.2 s
250 AMG Sport 4MATIC 4dr Auto £33,015 42.8 mpg 6.6 s
45 AMG 4MATIC 4dr Auto £41,845 39.8 mpg 4.6 s

Model History

January 2013

New CLA revealed

Numerous details indicate that on a design level the CLA represents a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear.

A large panoramic tilting/sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look. As such, the glass surface then extends from the front windscreen to the rear window.

The exterior's progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. The interior additionally derives a very special quality feel from the design idiom, the selection of high-quality materials and the available combinations of materials. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a metallic finish with "cool touch".

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.

The CLA is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The rear bench seat emphasises the outer seats (2+1-seater). Coloured contrasting stitching is available, according to the selected interior appointment options.

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 122PS in the CLA 180 through to 211PS in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 136PS with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2,143cc, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 170PS and 350Nm of torque, emitting only 109g/km of CO2.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual oil clutch (not dry clutch) automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

March 2013

UK ordering open for CLA

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is available to order now, with prices starting from £24,355 OTR.

The CLA is the most aerodynamically-efficient car on-sale today – allowing the choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines to deliver the highest possible economy whilst retaining the levels of refinement and performance expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The powerful CLA 220 CDI is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 8.2-seconds yet can return 62.9 mpg.

CLA 180 CLA 220 CDI
Engine (cc) 1,595 2,143
Gearbox options Six-speed manual 7G-DCT automatic
Power (hp)/Torque (Nm) 122/200 170/350
0-62 MPH (seconds) 9.3 8.2
Top speed (MPH) 130 143
Combined MPG 50.4 62.8
CO 2 (g/km) 130 117
Length 4,630 4,630
Width 1,777 1,777
Height 1,437 1,437
Boot volume (litres) 470 470
Sport OTR Price £24,355 £29,355
AMG Sport OTR Price £26,555 £31,555

The CLA – be it in Sport or AMG Sport guise – features a comprehensive list of standard equipment – making use of the latest advances in comfort, safety and dynamic technologies.

Key standard equipment:

  • Attention Assist
  • Collision Prevention Assist
  • Active Park Assist
  • Audio 20 CD/radio with 5.8 inch colour display
  • Aux-in socket and USB port in centre armrest
  • Bluetoothinterface
  • Becker Map Pilotpre-wiring
  • Twin exhaust pipe system in polished stainless steel
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Light and Sight package; consisting of rain-sensing wipers, reading and console lights and illuminated vanity mirrors, door sills and storage compartment in the centre console
CLA Sport CLA AMG Sport (in addition to Sport)
Comfort suspension Sport suspension
18-inch wheels in Himalaya Grey 18-inch wheels, AMG, five-spoke
Black grille, louvre in silver Diamond grille with silver pins, single louvre in gloss black
Multifunction sports steering wheel finished in nappa leather Multifunction sports steering wheel finished in nappa leather with flat bottom design
Sports seats with integrated headrests in Artico leather and Corumba cloth upholstery Sports seats with integrated headrests in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery
Sport bodystyling with chrome trim highlights AMG bodystyling with front and rear apron, sill extensions and Night package featuring black door mirrors, and beltline strip, privacy glass and bi-xenon headlights

To further personalise the CLA, there are a number of key options available, including the Exclusive package, priced at £1,970 for Sport variants and £1,640 for AMG Sport variants. The Exclusive package consists of an Artico artificial leather upper dashboard with topstitching, leather upholstery, four-way lumbar support in the front seats, velour floor mats with edging, armrest with topstitching and headed front seats, which come in a choice of three colours for Sport (Lava Black, Hazelnut Brown and Crystal Grey), and in Lava Black with red perforations for AMG Sport lines.

In addition to the standard Jupiter Red and Cirrus White paint, the CLA can be specified in five metallic paints as an option, as well as designo Magno Polar Silver for £1,480, or designo Patagonia Red for £1,790, with all prices including VAT.

March 2016

Revised CLA unveiled

The facelift involves new bumpers, a diamond radiator grille in black as standard and new light-alloy wheels. The interior also benefits from numerous enhancements, among them new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. LED High Performance headlamps, Hands-Free Access and further possibilities for integrating smartphones into the control system are all options that serve to enhance safety and comfort.

The new efficiency champion is the CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with an output of 109PS and CO2 emissions from as low as 89 g/km. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupé and Shooting Brake models now feature even more dynamic styling and a further upgraded interior. With a peak performance of 381PS and maximum torque of 475 Nm they are among the most powerful vehicles in their segment.

All models now have a diamond radiator grille in black as standard, plus a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper. This adds visual width to the vehicle and ensures a superior high-quality appearance thanks to even and narrow gaps where the panels join.

There is a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic. The range of available wheels has also been significantly extended. There is now a choice of five 18-inch light-alloy wheels, all in all, including one in a new 5-twin-spoke design in conjunction with the AMG Line. This is available in two colours (painted black or titanium grey, with a high-sheen finish).

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 122 hp in the CLA 180 through to 211 hp in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 136 hp, with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2.2 litres, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque, emitting only 109 g CO 2 per kilometre.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

- See more at: http://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/passenger/release/2041/SLEEK+AS+THEY+COME#sthash.gfNf7wSS.dpuf

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 122 hp in the CLA 180 through to 211 hp in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 136 hp, with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2.2 litres, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque, emitting only 109 g CO 2 per kilometre.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

- See more at: http://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/passenger/release/2041/SLEEK+AS+THEY+COME#sthash.gfNf7wSS.dpuf

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 122 hp in the CLA 180 through to 211 hp in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 136 hp, with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2.2 litres, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque, emitting only 109 g CO 2 per kilometre.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

- See more at: http://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/passenger/release/2041/SLEEK+AS+THEY+COME#sthash.gfNf7wSS.dpuf

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 122 hp in the CLA 180 through to 211 hp in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 136 hp, with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2.2 litres, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque, emitting only 109 g CO 2 per kilometre.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

- See more at: http://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/passenger/release/2041/SLEEK+AS+THEY+COME#sthash.gfNf7wSS.dpuf

What to watch out for

29-10-2017:

Severe engine problem reported with late 2013 Mercedes Benz CLA at 3 years 10 months old, bought used from Mercedes dealer at 16 months old. Now has 37,000 miles. Amber warning light lit up. Tried to book car into Mercedes dealer for 4/5 hours but they did not respond, so took it to an independent. Indy ivestigated yellow warning light on dash that indicated missfire of cylinder 4 (next to gearbox). Upon inspection found spark plug fouled, coil pack seemed to be working. Swapped parts and re-tested. Still missfire on cylinder 4. Carried out more diagnostics including compression tests and found cylinder 4 to have no compression at all indicating issue with engine internals. Ordered numerous parts not carried in stock by Mercedes and also special tooling to complete the works which delayed works. Supplied a loan car to try and minimise issues with loss of transport. Upon removal of cylinder head found cylinder valves to be coaked up (carbon build up). On further inspection found micro cracks on the valves. Bottom half of engine pistons, bores and rings all seemed perfectly serviceable, no movement in the piston and no bore wear we could see, all 4 cylinders the same. Had cylinder head away to engineers for checks, checked out fine, had cylinder head skimmed to make sure seats back perfectly on new gasket. Cleaned cylinder head and replaced valves - rebuilt engine. Once back up and running warning light re-set and didn’t return but the car didn’t run correctly: lumpy indicating missfire. Further investigations found compression issue on cylinder 4: Instead of no compression now had a reading of around 80 psi compared to 140 in the other 3 cylinders. Stripped cylinder head to check diagnosis and our works. Cylinder head and valves all fine and without issues. Stripped further (lower part of engine ) sump off and piston out. Piston found to have broken up. Gained authority for parts to replace the piston and rings. All our tools we have indicated no issues with the bore – no signs of any wear, would not expect any of this at the mileage the car has covered. Cleaned cylinder bore and fitted piston. This is when we identified an issue with the bore liner. Carried out further checks and consulted with a specialist engineer who visited to site and confirmed cylinder number four to be oval (very slight and only in a part not the whole liner) around 800 th of an inch according to his tooling. This is why the engine has loss of compression and uneven running. (Ironically the yellow engine light stayed out.) Options to repair: Fit over-sized piston and bore cylinder. Indy's issue with this is that he doesn’t know why it has happened and maybe the other three pistons could have an issue. Replace all pistons and bore out the block, cost to do this would be around £2,000, again not the option he would want to take as he would be machining the metal around the water jacket which is what cools the engine. Indy thinks think a reconditioned bottom end with old part in part exchange would be a more reliable and costworthy option. Owner says Mercedes Customer Support don't want t know when he emailed them because the work on the car had been carried out by an independent.

19-05-2018:

Report of leather side bolster of driver's seat of 2016 Mercedes CLA 220D Shooting Brake splitting at 18,000 miles.