Look what we have here, a facelift for the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake. We just tested the AMG version of that car, which is still brand new, so the fact that a facelift is being prepared comes as a huge shock.
The changes are minor and include updated taillights, headlights, grille and some more minor touches. The Shooting Brake is new, but the sedan version entered production in 2013, so it's getting a little rusty. Given Mercedes' typical debut schedule, expect the changes to show up next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
We expect the new look will closely mirror that of the A-Class facelift, which is itself derived from the C-Class. But we won't see anything major to happen.
Maybe a little more relevant is the fact that the infotainment system will be upgraded to an 8-inch display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. LEDs will be used for the interior ambiance and to power the new high-intensity full-LED headlight system.
Of course, we don't expect anything major to happen in the engine range since the CLA has been upgraded every year.
The only thing they need to add is a new entry-level model called the CLA 160 Shooting Brake, which is supposed to have a 1.6-liter turbo engine making just 102 horsepower. 2015 updates already include a more powerful 45 AMG model with the same 381 PS as the A-Class. That car can now be equipped with adaptive suspension and a front limited slip differential.
Mercedes-Benz is also adding new manual transmissions for the CLA250 and CLA250 Sport, plus a launch assist function for the models equipped with the 7G-DCT seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
Next year, Audi is also going to reveal a facelift for the whole A3 family, including the sedan. The awesome virtual cockpit system from the TT and R8 will be introduced, so the premium compact segment will be packed with interesting cars in 2016.
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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