We like the 2020 Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake here at Autoevolution. It's one of only two such models in the compact segment, along with a Kia copycat.
Being a shooting brake, not a classic wagon, the CLA model is not supposed to be super-practical. The car is more of an obtainable sculpture on wheels with styling that tirggers emotions and a trunk just big enough for a family car.
While Mercedes did make the trunk opening a bit wider than on the previous model, it didn't want the CLA to be too practical. As this review points out, the opening is about 80cm wide, so larger items like a bike are problematic. The high load lip is still there as well.
The CLA has grown in overall length, and while trunk space is only increased by 10 liters, rear-seat passengers will be more comfortable. Legroom is sufficient, and so is access into the back. Heck, they even give you two USB ports.
The design of the dashboard is the same as on the A-Class. And while some may not like it, the double screens are at least more attention-grabbing than anything BMW or Audi offer in this segment.
Like basically all German compacts, the CLA Shooting Brake may look sporty, even though it basically isn't. The review shown here focuses in particular on the shortcomings of the CLA 200 motor, which is the more powerful of two 1.3-liter units.
It boasts 163 horsepower, 5.4 l/100km combined and the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. But this is a small motor that doesn't respond quickly and actually drinks way more fuel. If you're going to own this car for more than 3 years, it's best to buy one of the 2-liter units.
This particular model starts at €36,400, but you'll have to go over 40k to have acceptable features. A Proceed GT with 204 HP is cheaper but also... a Kia.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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