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BAVARIA, Germany – The Mercedes-Benz CLA was a bold initiative for the big German luxury brand when it was launched six years ago with an extremely low starting price, just under $ 30,000. At the time, Mercedes was more focused on expensive snowmobiles than the S-Class rather than on youth-friendly offers, forcing purists to believe that an affordable entry model could squander the brand's hard-earned brand. . The first concerns about the quality of the interior construction did not help to solve this problem: Was the cheap starter Benz intended to depreciate the brand?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2020, the second generation of the vehicle, which has transported no less than 750,000 vehicles worldwide and, at least commercially, has almost proved that opponents were wrong. The new car no longer reaches the price below $ 30,000 of the first generation. It is now above Class A, with a power of $ 32,500, featuring a 188 horsepower engine compared to the 221 hp factory of this CLA. The CLA is also more elegant, but less bulky than the A-Class, with a raised roof line that cuts the rear margin, a formal compromise that inspired Mercedes to optimistically call the four-door coupe. But there are small but special signifiers all around: details like pillarless doors and wider exterior proportions suggest that the focus is on style rather than strict functionality, at least in relation to the Class A. The clutter and interior volume of the CLA also increased compared to the original car, with a length of almost 2 inches and an increased front track of 2.48 inches for a look flawless and improved handling.
The technical features of the interior are complemented by authentic finishes such as open pore wood and brushed aluminum. The overall atmosphere is reassuring and substantial, unlike the original CLA. The seats are comfortable enough for all day trips, though they do not feel as upscale as the more expensive Mercedes models.
The smooth-handling 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder means you do not confuse the CLA 250 with a land-based rocket, but it becomes at least more alive when it's switched to Sport mode via a small toggle switch on the center console. The power output is predictable, with a modest but consistent torque peak of 258 lb-ft from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm. Speed up, and you're usually able to accomplish most of the tasks you'd like to do at the wheel, like launching a line or letting go of slow traffic. A seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission is an unexpected choice for CLA, especially as many manufacturers have opted for more conventional but more versatile torque converter gearboxes. Either way, the transmission changes smoothly and quietly, while the steering wheel shift action provides a reasonably short interval between finger tapping and tooth changes.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 2020 reflects a significant evolution compared to the four-door attractive price that debuted in 2013. Of course, its size and price have increased, but it also has many more features and features. technologies that previously. The chassis has become more refined and more efficient, and yes, the next AMG version will undoubtedly be a more convincing offer for pilots who just want to go fast. But unlike its first iteration, the success of the new CLA will depend less on how it influences the perception of the brand than issues like reliability and owner satisfaction. Mercedes-Benz has already done the hard work needed to penetrate this more accessible segment and is now able to reap these rewards by attracting even more buyers to the brand.
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