Photo: original image by autoevolution
Mercedes' brand new GLA-Class crossover is the latest in a somewhat long list of very successful German compacts. Some people have complained it doesn't have enough ground clearance, but the upside is that it's almost as nice to drive as the A-Class.
We certainly love the look of this thing and are glad Mercedes decided to launch it. But we're not so sure it's the best choice in the segment, not when practicality and affordability are more important than the badge for most family buyers. Today, we turn our attention to a slightly older contender from Sweden, the Volvo V40 Cross Country.
We tested the V40 CC in 2013 an thoroughly enjoyed it, even more so than the regular V40… probably because it came with an impressive 254 hp turbo engine. autoevolution gave it a score of 77 our of 100, but our readers rated it even higher at 83, which is saying something. Since then, the company has actually updated all of the big engines and we find one model to be particularly impressive.
The all-new D4 mill belongs to the Drive-E family and is one of the most impressive 2-liter diesels on the market. Producing 190 PS at 4,250 and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm, this is a great balance between economy and performance.
Despite using a larger 2143cc block, the GLA's most powerful diesel doesn't have the same punch. The GLA 220 CDI boasts only 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque, and while they're delivered a bit lower in the rev range, this doesn't help performance.
We started comparing the all-wheel drive automatic versions of both the V40 Cross Country D4 and the GLA 220 4Matic. After we learned those facts, it was all downhill for the Mercedes, which is slower (8.3 seconds to 100 km/h, compared to 7.5 seconds), thirstier (4.9 l/100km vs 4.3 for the Volvo) and has higher emissions (129g vs 112g).
And then there's the price. A brand new GLA 220 CDI 4Matic costs 39,252 euros before options. It's not that bad, but the Volvo V40 Cross Country D4 with an 8-speed automatic and AWD costs only 33,2080 euros. That's in Germany, not its Swedish home. But be careful, Volvo is just as keen to overcharge for options. For instance, they have an illuminated gearshift option that costs €400 extra.
Almost all V40 buyers go for the D3 engine, not the D4. This has also received an update, now reaching 150 PS, but the price difference isn't that great and you can't get it with the 8-speed auto. Stock to the big guns and you'll have Mercedes licked. Who knows, maybe you'll race a Golf GTD once in a while.
Editor's note: None of this diesel stuff makes sense to our American readers, right? Sorry! The V40 CC isn't even available, which is a real shame.
We tested the V40 CC in 2013 an thoroughly enjoyed it, even more so than the regular V40… probably because it came with an impressive 254 hp turbo engine. autoevolution gave it a score of 77 our of 100, but our readers rated it even higher at 83, which is saying something. Since then, the company has actually updated all of the big engines and we find one model to be particularly impressive.
The all-new D4 mill belongs to the Drive-E family and is one of the most impressive 2-liter diesels on the market. Producing 190 PS at 4,250 and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm, this is a great balance between economy and performance.
Despite using a larger 2143cc block, the GLA's most powerful diesel doesn't have the same punch. The GLA 220 CDI boasts only 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque, and while they're delivered a bit lower in the rev range, this doesn't help performance.
We started comparing the all-wheel drive automatic versions of both the V40 Cross Country D4 and the GLA 220 4Matic. After we learned those facts, it was all downhill for the Mercedes, which is slower (8.3 seconds to 100 km/h, compared to 7.5 seconds), thirstier (4.9 l/100km vs 4.3 for the Volvo) and has higher emissions (129g vs 112g).
And then there's the price. A brand new GLA 220 CDI 4Matic costs 39,252 euros before options. It's not that bad, but the Volvo V40 Cross Country D4 with an 8-speed automatic and AWD costs only 33,2080 euros. That's in Germany, not its Swedish home. But be careful, Volvo is just as keen to overcharge for options. For instance, they have an illuminated gearshift option that costs €400 extra.
Almost all V40 buyers go for the D3 engine, not the D4. This has also received an update, now reaching 150 PS, but the price difference isn't that great and you can't get it with the 8-speed auto. Stock to the big guns and you'll have Mercedes licked. Who knows, maybe you'll race a Golf GTD once in a while.
Editor's note: None of this diesel stuff makes sense to our American readers, right? Sorry! The V40 CC isn't even available, which is a real shame.
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