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After numerous teasers, including a leaked image of the go fast CLA45 AMG, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has finally been revealed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
It is Mercedes’ entry level four-door coupé that is all the rage these days. The CLA is based on the company’s front-wheel drive platform that also underpins the A-Class and B-Class.
Mercedes has confirmed 5 variants will be available at launch, excluding the CLA45 AMG. The range starts with the CLA 180, which also include a fuel miser counterpart called CLA 180 BlueEfficient Edition that is equipped with fuel –saving features like longer gear ratios and stop-start. Both models are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 91kW (122hp) and 200Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
The next step up is the CLA 200, which despite is numerical designation, is propelled by the same engine, but tuned to produce 156hp (116kW) and 250Nm of torque. It is also mated to a 6-speed manual. The CLA 200 is capable of doing 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
Above the CLA 200 sits the CLA 250, this comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct injected petrol engine. It is good for 155kW and 350Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it sprints to triple digits in 6.7 seconds. The CLA 250 is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive in certain markets.
The singular diesel engine at launch is the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel in the CLA 220 CDI. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and produces 127kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Not only does the CLA look good, it is also slippery, with a Cd figure of 0.23. This is also aided by such aerodynamic features as low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimised door mirrors, low-drag wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches. There is also extensive underbody cladding to smoothen things out.
Notable safety features include ATTENTION ASSIST, radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which is activated from just 6.5km/h. Those ticking the optional Driver Assistance package box will also get DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
