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There was a time when Mercedes was happy to offer a few saloons of different sizes, a couple of coupés and convertibles, plus an estate or two for good measure. Then it started to blend segments, and its range got ever-more complicated.
Perhaps the best example of this is the Mercedes CLA. It followed in the footsteps of the bigger CLS, which blurred the boundaries between coupé and saloon, and was also offered as a Shooting Brake estate. The success of that car led to the smaller version, which was more accessible thanks to its A-Class running gear and lower prices, although it was hardly what you’d call a bargain. That didn’t stop the CLA from selling well though, especially to status- and style-conscious fleet buyers.
Models covered
- • Mercedes CLA Mk1 (2013-2019) - Compact coupé-saloon piles on the style at the expense of practicality.
Mercedes CLA Mk1
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History
The original CLA went on sale in March 2013, priced from £24,355. Buyers could choose from a 121bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine (CLA 180) and a 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel (CLA 220 CDI), in either Sport or AMG Sport forms.
Six months later, the 355bhp CLA 45 AMG arrived in showrooms, with the CLA Shooting Brake estate arriving in March 2015. This was offered with two different petrol engines: a 120bhp 1.6-litre (CLA 180) or a 215bhp 2.0-litre (CLA 250) plus a 2,143cc diesel (CLA 200 CDI, CLA 220 CDI), all of which were also available in the saloon. In July 2016 the facelifted CLA hit the road, with a new 1.6-litre CLA 180 BlueEfficiency petrol engine; a 1.6-litre CLA 200 joined the range too.
Which one should I buy?
The CLA 180, CLA 250 and CLA 200 d came with a six-speed manual gearbox, and a seven-speed auto was offered as an option; all other CLAs were fitted with the auto as standard, with no manual option.
Sport specification models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, Active Park Assist, automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, a 5.8-inch display, artificial leather trim and a multifunction steering wheel. AMG Sport adds bi-xenon headlights, privacy glass and sport suspension (stiffer and lowered by 20mm front, 15mm rear).
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Be on the lookout for cars fitted with the Exclusive package, which adds comfort features such as heated front seats and upgraded interior trim. Other options worth having include the rear camera, Harman/ Kardon hi-fi, DAB radio (standard on the CLA 45 AMG) and panoramic sliding sunroof.
Mercedes CLA Mk1 reviews
Mercedes CLA in-depth review
Mercedes CLA 250 review
Mercedes CLA 220 CDI review
Mercedes CLA 45 AMG in-depth review
Mercedes CLA 45 AMG review
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake in-depth review
Mercedes CLA 220 CDI Shooting Brake review
Alternatives to the Mercedes CLA
In concept, the Volkswagen CC is perhaps closest to the CLA, because it’s also a saloon with a coupé-like silhouette – but the VW is 300mm longer, so it’s a size up. The Audi A3 Saloon – while not as sleek as the CLA – is also well worth a look.
The five-door Audi A5 Sportback is slightly longer than the CLA, and it adds hatchback practicality to the mix. Like the CC and A3 it’s good to drive, has a plush interior, is well equipped and comes with some excellent engines, too. If you’re really keen to have a saloon, you could opt for an Audi A4 which is also only slightly longer than the Merc, while the BMW 3 Series is about the same size. With its conventional saloon silhouette you get improved rear seat space and, if you want extra usability without resorting to an estate, there’s always the five-door BMW 3 Series GT.
What to look for
Badges
Before the facelift in July 2016, diesel CLAs were given a CDI badge. After that cars were sold as 180 d, 200 d and 220 d.
Punctures
All examples of the CLA come with a tyre sealant kit rather than a spare wheel of any size – the latter isn’t even an optional extra.
Wheels
18-inch wheels provide as firm a ride as you’re likely to want; the optional 19-inch alloys and sport suspension really are too firm for comfort.
Fuel filler
Make sure the filler flap opens as it should. Reports of faulty solenoids and caps that get stuck shut are not unknown.
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Interior
The CLA uses the same dash as the A-Class so it’s quite busy, but you soon get used to it. Build quality is good and most of the materials look and feel high-quality, but some cost cutting is evident up close. It’s easy to get comfy up front and, while rear-seat legroom is fine, headroom is compromised due to the sloping roof. To aid practicality the CLA saloon has a 60:40 split-folding rear seat.
Prices
You can buy a nearly new Mercedes CLA for between £11,499 and £42,999 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
All CLAs need servicing every 12 months or 15,500 miles, alternating between minor and major. Costs vary, but you can get quotes from mymercedesservice.co.uk.
Expect £250 for a minor and £400 for a major service for diesels; petrols are closer to £240/£340. The fourth service is £700-£750, which includes air and fuel filters. Brake fluid is needed every two years (£90), coolant every 10 (£225), while autos need a £400 service every five years. All engines are chain-driven.
Recalls
The CLA has been subject to 25 recalls, most of which also affected other Mercedes. The first two came in July 2014 for loose seatbelt anchors and faulty airbags; the most recent was in February 2019 for calibration of seat sensors for the airbags and belts. In between came recalls for faulty driveshafts, brake servo errors and much more, so do check any potential purchase is up to date.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The CLA hasn’t featured in Driver Power, but the platform- sharing A-Class Mk3 appeared in the 2017 and 2018 New Car surveys, placing 69th and 56th respectively. It scores well for its exterior fit and finish, with the only other top 50 scores for running costs and reliability. All other scores, from safety and practicality to engines and infotainment, are outside of the top 50.
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