Photo: mercedes-benz.de
While Mercedes-Benz keeps the flavors of GLA-Class crossover it offers in America to a minimum, the same can't be said about its European lineup. There, diversity has always been the key to selling more cars. That's why this September, the German automaker will start offering a new base model of its MFA-based adventure vehicle, powered by a familiar Renault-sourced engine.
We are of course talking about the GLA 180 CDI, packing the same four-cylinder offered in the A- and B-Class. Received as part of the Daimler-Renault alliance, this mill propels the car to the sound of 109 PS available at 4,000rpm. Peak torque of 260 Nm comes in at 1,750rpm and is available up until 2,500rpm. Since the small engine produces so little power, it's not offered with all-wheel drive, but you can chose between a 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed DCT.
Performance is not exactly inspiring, with 0 to 100 km/h taking 12 seconds and a top speed of only 190 km/h (6-manual model). However, fuel economy is pretty good, with a claimed 4.0 l/100km in combined driving, dropping slightly to 3.9 l/100 km with the optional 7G-DCT dual clutch.
In terms of overall cost, the new GLA 180 CDI model is the cheapest diesel model you can buy at €30,553 (available for order in Germany, configurator here). However, at this price, Mercedes will offer only steel wheels with hub caps and standard halogen headlights.
At first glance, this new entry-level model is right only for the badge-conscious, as VW Deutschland can sell you a Tiguan with either a 140 PS 2-liter diesel or a 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and DSG for a lot less money. However, brand new cars are often more expensive during the first half year after the launch, so given a year or so, the 180 could begin to make sense.
Performance is not exactly inspiring, with 0 to 100 km/h taking 12 seconds and a top speed of only 190 km/h (6-manual model). However, fuel economy is pretty good, with a claimed 4.0 l/100km in combined driving, dropping slightly to 3.9 l/100 km with the optional 7G-DCT dual clutch.
In terms of overall cost, the new GLA 180 CDI model is the cheapest diesel model you can buy at €30,553 (available for order in Germany, configurator here). However, at this price, Mercedes will offer only steel wheels with hub caps and standard halogen headlights.
At first glance, this new entry-level model is right only for the badge-conscious, as VW Deutschland can sell you a Tiguan with either a 140 PS 2-liter diesel or a 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and DSG for a lot less money. However, brand new cars are often more expensive during the first half year after the launch, so given a year or so, the 180 could begin to make sense.
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