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Mercedes' introduction of the new A-Class was a bit of shock.
The last one was a car for seniors, the new A is more fancy.
So, Mercedes went to diversify the car a bit within that theme.
There's now a CLA sedan, and this higher version: the GLA.
A cross-over to fight the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.
Both have been around for a while, so Mercedes is a bit late.
Still, that doesn't have to be a bad thing.
Its image may be akin to the X1 and Q3, but it's a different car really.
Those are SUV-like cars, this is just a raised hatchback.
Compare it with the Volvo V40 Cross Country.
The interior is like in the A-Class, and there's a bit more headroom.
There's a bit more luggage space but it doesn't push the envelope.
It's very much like the A-Class hatchback.
Depending on what you expect, that may be a good thing.
Technically, it's very much like the A-Class as well.
The engines are the same, with the GLA200 and GLA250.
As for diesel, you can have a 200 CDI or a 220 CDI.
This is the 200 CDI, with a 2.1 4-cylinder offering 136 PS and 300 Nm.
We know that engine from the A-Class, in which it's a bit rough.
The isolation is better in this. You still hear it, but it's acceptable.
There's plenty of torque from 1500 rpm on. It pulls nicely.
It's not the flashiest of engines, but you don't need any more.
The ride is very different, though. The regular A-Class is quite harsh.
This GLA doesn't have that. It's sturdy, but more comfortable.
It's more mature and therefore on a higher level.
There are now four variants of Mercedes' new A-Class base.
This is by far the most sophisticated of all.
It's not without flaws, as the steering is still too nervous and light.
It's pricey too, starting from 35000 euros in the Netherlands.
But you'll get the A-Class variant that's nicest to drive.
In that sense, this car really is on a higher level.
+ Comfortable; Diesel engine more refined
- Not very spacious; Quite pricey