Just 180 units of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA will be available in Ireland this year, writes Brian Byrne.
According to Ciaran Allen of Mercedes-Benz Ireland, that's the number which the distributor has so far been allocated, but he's hopeful that some extra units may become available as the year goes on.
The GLA is the fourth in a 5-car lineup of the New Generation Compact Car range from the German luxury car maker, a line that will be completed later in the year by a Shooting Break variant of the CLA saloon.
The GLA has gone on sale this week here at a starting price of €35,800 for the 136hp GLA200 CDI, which is available in four grades — Style, Urban, AMG and Exclusive.
A 170hp diesel and a 156hp 1.6 petrol will be available in the first quarter of next year.
The GLA is distinguished by more rugged styling details than the hatchback A-Class, with stronger looks to the front, rear and sides. A 'power' treatment to the bonnet also gives the new car more presence, as do the taller wheel arches and the skid plate details under the front and rear bumpers.
Like the other cars in the NGCC range, the GLA is aimed at a younger generation of car buyers, most of them not already owners of Mercedes cars. Ciaran Allen says most sales in the A-Class range have been 'conquest' from other brands.
With prices in the early €30,000 areas, the NGCC cars from Mercedes-Benz are also attracting buyers from the mass-market arena, where the style and size proves them to be price-accessible and family friendly.
