Refreshed Mecedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake Unveiled
The sporty, expressive design of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake is now being honed still further in a facelift involving new bumpers, a diamond radiator grille in black as standard and new light-alloy wheels. The interior also benefits from numerous enhancements, among them new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. LED High Performance headlamps, HANDS-FREE ACCESS and further possibilities for integrating smartphones into the control system are all options that serve to enhance safety and comfort.
The new efficiency champion is the CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with an output of 80 kW (109 hp) and CO2 emissions from as low as 89 g/km. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupé and Shooting Brake models now feature even more dynamic styling and a further upgraded interior. With a peak performance of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm they are among the most powerful vehicles in their segment.
The facelifted version of the CLA Coupé will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show (25 March to 3 April 2016), while the modified CLA Shooting Brake will be launched to the public on the occasion of the awards ceremony for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin on 17/18 April 2016. Both models will be available to order from April and will land in dealerships in July 2016.
Their sporty proportions and powerful, dynamic design language characterised by sensuously rounded contours make the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake quite unmistakable. In addition, the CLA Shooting Brake offers a concept that is unique in this class of vehicle: while certain styling elements, such as frameless windows, give the car the character of a coupé, it also offers the versatility and practicality of an estate car.
In undertaking the facelift modifications, the Mercedes-Benz designers have subtly honed the distinctive look of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. All models now have a diamond radiator grille in black as standard, plus a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper. This adds visual width to the vehicle and ensures a superior high-quality appearance thanks to even and narrow gaps where the panels join.
There is a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic. The range of available wheels has also been significantly extended. There is now a choice of five 45.7 cm (18-inch) light-alloy wheels, all in all, including one in a new 5-twin-spoke design in conjunction with the AMG Line. This is available in two colours (painted black or titanium grey, with a high-sheen finish).
Both the CLA and the CLA Shooting Brake already previously included the latest generation of assistance and safety systems that are, in some cases, only now gradually being introduced in the other model series. Among these are, for example, Active Brake Assist as standard (known until now as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS), which is able to trigger autonomous braking as a means of reducing the danger of rear-end collisions, as well as the transmission mode selection function DYNAMIC SELECT. With this system the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission and steering at the driver’s behest. The ambient lighting system, which can be individualised by setting any one of twelve colour moods, has been part of the specification since the start.
The interior: slimmer display, new trim parts, chrome-plated controls
The interior also benefits from features such as new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. The highlight here is a much slimmer-looking freestanding 20.3 cm (8-inch) media display with a new-style glass cover. This is available as an option for the Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD systems. The new-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments.
Meticulous attention to detail is also evident from the silver chrome finish to the controls and to the fascia and switches in the doors for the electrically adjustable seats, as well as from the chrome surround to the stowage compartment in the centre console.
New trim elements in sail-look finish, matt black ash wood (in conjunction with Exclusive package), black DINAMICA microfibre (optional in conjunction with AMG Line) or aluminium with honeycomb grain, serve to liven up the interior. There is also a revised range of seat covers: for the Exclusive package (optional extra) there is a new leather upholstery option in sahara beige/black, while the Urban equipment line is now available with a combination of ARTICO man-made leather/Maringá fabric in crystal grey or black. Customers opting for black can choose between designs with white or blue highlights.
The equipment features: LED High Performance headlamps as an option
Both the CLA and the CLA Shooting Brake are optionally fitted with LED High Performance headlamps. Their colour temperature is closer to that of daylight than xenon headlamps, for example. This is more restful to the eyes and therefore provides relief to the driver at night. The 34-watt LED low-beam headlamps also have very low energy consumption – around 60 percent less than xenon and around 70 percent less than halogen.
The low-beam headlamps use LED projection technology, while the main-beam headlamps use LED reflection technology. Direction indicators, daytime running lamps and position lights are in the form of multifunctional fibre-optic cables, which are also used for the “Coming Home” function. As all lights use LED technology, there is never a need to change a bulb over the entire service life of the vehicle.
The optional LED High Performance headlamps are combined here with tail lights with automatic intensity control. These reduce the dazzling effect for vehicles following. The multi-level functionality regulates the brightness of the brake lights and direction indicators in three stages (Day/Night-time driving/Night-time stationary).
Loading becomes easier with the HANDS-FREE ACCESS option. This system allows the boot lid or tailgate to be opened (CLA and CLA Shooting Brake) and even closed (CLA Shooting Brake) without any physical contact. All it takes is a motion of the foot in the area of the rear bumper. HANDS-FREE ACCESS is now included as part of the KEYLESS-GO Comfort package.
A trailer coupling is now available in conjunction with the AMG Line, too. Like the CLA Shooting Brake, the CLA now also features a coat hook on the grab handle above each rear side window.
The enhanced Smartphone Integration system (optional extra) allows the integration and voice-operated control of iPhones® and Android smartphones via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ respectively. Selected functions can be operated using the vehicle controls, thus allowing safe use even while on the move.
By comparison with the existing Convenience Telephony option, the Universal Telephony package includes a universal smartphone cradle and two charging cables with Lightning or Micro USB connectors. The connection to the LTE-compatible exterior aerial is made via induction.
Drive system: New efficiency champion from 89 g CO2/km
The new efficiency champion is the CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with an output of 80 kW (109 hp), which is available with manual transmission only. A series of consumption-reducing measures and the vehicle’s exemplary aerodynamics mean that its fuel consumption according to NEDC is a mere 3.5/3.6 l/100 km (figures for CLA/CLA Shooting Brake). CO2 emissions stand at 89/94 g/km.
The new CLA 220 4MATIC expands the choice for fans of all-wheel drive. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, with a displacement of 1991 cc, delivers an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and is paired as standard with the 7G-DCT.
New to the range of engines for the CLA Shooting Brake is also the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with a 1595 cc four-cylinder petrol engine and an output of 90 kW (122 hp). Its consumption according to NEDC is 5.5 l/100 km. This engine has only been available until now for the Coupé.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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