Ahead of its international launch next month and the local introduction in April, Mercedes-Benz SA has released line-up and pricing details of its eagerly anticipated GLA crossover.
Based on the platform that underpins the hugely successful A-Class (and the related CLA and B-Class), the GLA offers a higher-riding stance, a larger boot and more interior room.
The local range will kick off with the GLA200 that boasts a 115 kW/250 N.m 1,6-litre turbopetrol. The entry-level version with a manual transmission will cost R400 749, while the 7G-DCT dual-clutch auto box adds R17 000 to the price. Its rivals are the BMW X1 sDrive20i (R380 809/R398 296 for the AT) and Audi Q3 2,0T FSI Quattro at R420 500/R437 500. The latter justifies its price somewhat by being equipped as standard with all-wheel drive, where the BMW and Benz feature only front-wheel drive.
Next in the range is the 100 kW/300 N.m GLA200 CDI at R422 700 (again, R17 000 extra for the auto). This model is also FWD and competes with the X1 sDrive20d at R393 423/R412 039 and Q3 2,0 TDI manual FWD at R385 000.
Topping the range is the 125 kW/350 N.m GLA220 CDI 4Matic 7G-DCT at R490 231. It will tackle the X1 xDrive20d Steptronic (R460 360) and Q3 2,0 TDI Quattro S tronic (R448 500).
