The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA200d was a stylish companion on a short trip out of the city.
Every October a festival in the Klein Karoo rolls around, and this year we were lucky enough to take the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA200d on the leisurely trip up to the Karoo1 Hotel Village, tucked away in between De Doorns and Touwsrivier.
I’m a big fan of the N1, especially if you want to get a feel for a car. It seems a far less anxious drive than the N2, with long stretches of open road and generally more relaxed drivers sharing the highway.
The new GLA had its work set out, packed with three passengers, a driver and all of our camping gear for the weekend. It was a bit of a squeeze… While the driver and co-pilot are afforded plenty of comfort and space at the front, the rear space in the GLA200d is on the more cramped side. Luckily the luggage capacity remains solid at 520 litres, so we were able to fit most of the necessary stuff into the boot and pack cooler boxes and bedding into the back.
Four trim lines and two engine options are available for the new GLA: GLA 200 Progressive, GLA 200 AMG Line, GLA 200d Progressive, and GLA 200d AMG Line. We were lucky enough to ride in the latter, fit with a refined 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Paired with an 8-speed Dual-Clutch transmission, the engine comfortably delivers 110kW and 320 N.m to the front wheels (AWD systems having been retired in the GLA department). The 8-Speed DCT shuffles between gears with ease, and at higher speeds the GLA was a pleasure to steer, never lacking for power and offering a refined driving experience overall. The stiffer suspension on the AMG-Line is noticeable, but the chunkier 235/50 R19 rubber compensates in terms of on-road comfort.
With all the GLA models sitting upwards of R900k, a luxurious cabin is a necessity, and the subtle updates ensure a premium experience. The new GLA features Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system which retains the previous model’s dual 10.25-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment but adds a digital voice assistant, in-car games (playable when parked), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The AMG Line sees sporty details like red stitching on the Artico leather seats and carbon fiber-style trim on the dash and upper door panels.
This particular model came with the R119,000 Premium Plus package, adding wireless charging, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting, AR navigation, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, adaptive headlights, seat memory, and a panoramic roof. While these features are a welcome addition, they push the GLA’s price over R1 million, placing it above similarly equipped rivals by around R100,000.
Overall the GLA200d was a pleasure to take through the Hugenot tunnel and into the impressive winding roads flanked by the Matroosberg mountains. Characterised by a refined powertrain, packaged with sporty styling and a classy cabin, the refreshed GLA is a quality addition to the premium crossover category. As is often the case in this segment (and no different with the GLA), one must approach additional options with caution, because they certainly come at a premium.
Mercedes-Benz GLA200d AMG Line Fast Facts
- Price: R986 062
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- 0-100 km/h: 8.89 seconds
- Top speed: 208 km/h
- Power: 110 kW @ 3 400 r/min
- Torque: N.m @ 1 400-3 200 r/min
- Luggage capacity: 520 litres
- CAR fuel index: 6.36 L/100km
- CO2: 132 g/km
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