If you want to stand out in the already crowded office carpark, Mercedes-Benz's latest GLA is definitely for you
Photos: Azfar Hashim
If you're the sort who wants everything in one car AND looks equally outstanding, then the new GLA is definitely for you. It is a car that is the answer to all your needs: not so low (you get a good view of the road ahead), easy to park (it is not even as long as the C-Class), stylish interior (similar to the A-Class but it works) and an exterior that is definitely not boring (yay!).
The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio from Mercedes-Benz. With five model series (GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G), the company currently offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer, meeting the wishes of its customers. At the same time, the GLA-Class is the fourth new compact model from Mercedes-Benz.
Three variants are available for the local market: GLA 200, GLA 200 CDI and GLA 250 4MATIC (no news on the GLA45 AMG yet though). The GLA 200 gets power from a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine (156 bhp, 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds) while the GLA 250 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit (211 bhp, 350 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds). The GLA 200 CDI, the only diesel variant in the line up, is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine (136 bhp, 300 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds). It also boasts a fuel consumption of only 4.3 L/100 km, setting a new standard in its segment.
Across the board, ECO start/stop engine function is standard, and all are paired with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.
Other goodies include Attention Assist drowsiness detection and the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist with Brake Assist, which now helps to avoid collisions from a speed as low as 7 km/h. Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist are also available for the GLA.
In the case of the GLA 250 that comes with Mercedes-Benz's four-wheel drive system, 4MATIC, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) comes standard. At the press of this button, the driver is assisted on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients.
The new GLA also offers the broadest scope for individualisation, with a choice of two lines, 'Urban' and 'AMG Line', as well as 'Edition 1', 'Exclusive', 'Night' and 'AMG Exclusive' package.
Prices start from $186,888 for the GLA 200, $188,888 for the GLA 200 CDI and $199,888 for the GLA 250 4MATIC. All prices include COE.
Also at the launch, Mercedes-Benz Singapore announced the appointment of Desmond Tan and Rebecca Lim, two of Singapore's most promising artistes, as new brand ambassadors for the brand. "With Desmond and Rebecca joining fellow MediaCorp artist Elvin Ng as our brand ambassador, we look forward to welcoming a new generation of Mercedes-Benz drivers into the family", said Mr Wolfgang Huppenbauer, President and CEO of Daimler South East Asia.
Desmond will be ambassador of the Mercedes-Benz GLA while Rebecca, the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
