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The third model to be built on the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform has gone on sale in Ireland and should prove stiff competition for many of its more established crossover rivals. The GLA is an entirely new type of product offering from the German firm.
Exterior
At a glance the GLA might just seem like a slightly taller A-Class, but seeing the two side-by-side highlights the many differences that make this a unique model. The front-end is dominated by the three-pointed star Mercedes grille, which helps to give the car presence while the bonnet features two distinct ridges that help to convey a sportier image.
Reinforcing that rugged, 'soft-roader' appearance is a raised ride height (50mm) along with contrasting plastic cladding along the base of the door sills and around the wheelarches. All cars will feature roof rails as a standard item too. A less steeply-raked C-pillar makes for better access for rear passengers, while a wide hatch opening makes loading the boot easier.
Interior
If you've been in either the new A-Class or the CLA, then the interior will feel familiar. The simple dashboard layout is designed to display most of the car's auxiliary information on the centrally mounted display, while the driver benefits from a simple two-dial instrument binnacle that features a TFT display in the middle.
Rear passengers shouldn't have need to complain about legroom and of course there are two ISOFIX points for child seats. In comparison with the A-Class on which it is based on, the GLA's boot capacity grows by 40 per cent to 421 litres. This can be expanded to 836 litres by folding down the rear seats. As per usual with Mercedes-Benz models, four trim levels will be offered: Style, Urban, AMG and the range-topping Exclusive.
Mechanicals
Right now there are four models offered in the GLA - two petrol and two diesel. The latter, likely to be the more popular choice, will consist of the 200 CDI and 220 CDI. Priced from €35,800 (plus delivery), the GLA 200 CDI is powered by a 136hp 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine that can return a quoted fuel consumption figure of 4.1 litres/100km (68.9mpg). The more powerful GLA 220 CDI has up to 170hp.
Petrol engined options will be made up of a 1.6-litre 156hp GLA 200 and a 2.0-litre 211hp GLA 250. All engines will come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a seven-speed dual clutch automatic option is also available. For those seeking to travel further off-road, the GLA can also be equipped with the new generation of the company's 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system.
Anything else?
Just like the luxurious S-Class saloon, the GLA is equipped with plenty of safety features that include a driver drowsiness detection and a radar-based collision prevention system. An optional addition to this system enables the car to brake autonomously at speeds of up to 200km/h should the driver fail to brake in the event of an impending collision.