Review: Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA is my favourite variant in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class series for a number of very good reasons, writes Brian Byrne. It has a funkier look which gives it a youthful character. It has more presence because it is longer, taller and wider. And if push came to shove, I could travel in the back seat without having to trim the few remaining hairs on the top of my head.

The original was launched here in 2014, and has just been given a mid-life uptick, with small details and some more significant ones making it enough nicer to be noticeable.


The visual changes for 2017 include modified bumpers, new alloys choices, and the option of LED headlights which have been designed to provide a colour temperature similar to daylight.

Inside there are new seat trims, more chrome on controls panels, and new style to the main instrumentation. A new Comfort Exclusive package enhances the previous Exclusive package with the addition of SUV-specific black leather seats with buffalo-hide look, with Style and Urban versions also fitted with new seat cover fabrics. The boot lid can now be opened and closed with a foot movement. Optionally available is a 360deg camera that projects the surroundings of the car in full and split screen format.

Brake lights and indicators are controlled in three intensities. Full brightness by day, a medium level for driving during the night and a lower level when at a standstill during the night, so as not to dazzle other road users.

The GLA has Active Brake Assist as standard. It warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and, if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences.

My review car was the 200d Urban automatic, which includes as standard, in a long list, sport seats, the LED headlights, and automatic lights dipping. The reversing camera was a €574 option, artificial leather an extra €222, and metallic paint at a €1,012 added cost.

The engine was the well-established 2.1 diesel, and while I might have been a tad disappointed that it wasn't the newer 2.0 diesels from other Merc recent models, it was quiet and refined and its 136hp provided perfectly adequate punch with the smooth-changing autobox.

It felt and handled as anyone would expect from the brand that invented the motor car and developed into the most premium of makers. What I particularly liked was the feeling of space in a car which is in the same size class as a Ford Focus and VW Golf, give or take some millimetres. The closest to it in competition is the Volvo V40 Cross Country, which I would rate equal in most respects.

Liked it when it came first. Still like it.

PRICE: From €34,759 for the GLA180d; Review car €38,855 plus extras.

EQUIPMENT: Heated seats, Climate Control, Cruise Control.

RATING 4.3/5.