Mercedes-Benz CLA Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
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Car Review

Mercedes-Benz CLA review

£51,135 - £57,135
510
Published: 13 Jan 2015
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Driving

What is it like to drive?

On paper, the CLA looks fine. The two main engine choices offer decent-ish poke – either a 168bhp diesel or a 120bhp petrol – and they will do 0-62mph in 8.2secs or 9.3secs respectively. The CLA is front-wheel drive, but that shouldn’t be a drawback.

Yet somehow it is. The CLA doesn’t drive particularly well, and is neither comfortable nor refined. You initially want sport suspension because it lowers the car by 15mm so looks a lot better, but this also makes it too stiff, so then you don’t. The engines grumble at low revs too much and the twin clutch gearbox makes a politician look decisive. It all adds up to a car that is relying on its badge far too much. And then there’s the AMG version. 355bhp, four-wheel drive traction... and still a bit unexciting.

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Highlights from the range

the fastest

Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 45 S 4Matic+ 4dr Tip Auto
  • 0-624s
  • CO2189.0g/km
  • BHP421
  • MPG34
  • Price£51,135

the cheapest

Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 180 AMG Line Executive 4DR TIP Auto
  • 0-629s
  • CO2124.0g/km
  • BHP136
  • MPG
  • Price£32,785

the greenest

Mercedes-Benz CLA Class CLA 220D AMG Line Executive 4DR TIP Auto
  • 0-627.1s
  • CO2110.0g/km
  • BHP190
  • MPG
  • Price£36,985
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