Mercedes-Benz’s fabulous CLA 200d!
by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK
Many other features are optional and it’s a long list including a choice of five rims, high performance LED headlights, a range of seat covers, hands free boot access, and much more.
The CLA had already previously included the latest generation of assistance and safety systems – Active Brake Assist, transmission mode selection function, and fun features like a choice of twelve colour mood ambient lighting system. Change between them quickly enough with loud music and you could have a little dance party.
The cabin, besides the new seat covers already mentioned, has new trim elements, dials and red needles in the instrument cluster, as well as chrome-plated controls. The highlight is the slimmer free-standing 20,3cm media display. I won’t lie, I find the gear selector on a steering wheel stalk a massive adjustment. Test driving cars means you spend half your time turning on the windscreen wipers instead of turning on the indicators, I kept expecting to accidentally be putting the car in neutral on the highway in rush hour traffic!
So, what’s so exciting about a bunch of new little ‘tweaks’ to an existing vehicle? The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200d is. This derivative is a brand-new addition to the CLA line-up, which is fantastic news to South African diesel enthusiasts.
This is not exactly a speed demon, but it gets you from A to B in comfort and a notch above some competitors. It’s an attractive vehicle with upmarket features – it is a Mercedes-Benz after all.
