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The GLA gets going…

The GLA gets going… 1 2

[prev] …Facebook, Twitter, internet radio, AUPEO! personal radio and a Garmin advanced navigation system.This incorporates internet-based real-time traffic information and an online Point of Interest search function including Street View and a 3D map display. The internet can be accessed via iPhones using Bluetooth. It’s almost as well-equipped as your own home!

Initial four-cylinder engine options are two petrol units, a 1.6-litre and 2-litre, with power outputs from 156bhp in the GLA200 through to 211bhp in the GLA 250. There are also two 2.2-litre diesel engines offering lively torque and outstanding efficiency; the GLA 200 CDI has 136bhp and 300 Nm of torque, while the GLA 220 CDI puts out 170bhp and 350 Nm. As well as turbocharging and direct injection, an ECO start/stop function comes as standard. Six-speed manual transmissions or dual clutch automatic transmissions are available, the latter being standard on the GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models which blend comfort and sportiness to an outstanding degree.

Certain models can achieve combined fuel economy of up to 65 mpg

Because they need to bundle a lot into restricted dimensions, compact SUVs often suffer from ungainly styling, but with the muscular and imposing GLA, it’s definitely goodbye to box-shaped aerodynamics. The sleek and flowing lines boast a Cd efficiency figure of 0.29, making it the leader in its segment. This contributes to a low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, with the streamlined rear end, exterior mirrors and tail-lamps plus extensive underbody panelling all contributing to the aerodynamic qualities. Wind noise is kept at bay by effective seals in the opening panels and rigid window frames. All this contributes to certain models being able to achieve combined fuel economy of up to 65 mpg.

However, such practicality and efficiency isn’t at the expense of performance. The top-of-the-range GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 62 mph in only 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 145 mph and a combined consumption figure of 39.7 mpg. And, as with all Mercedes-Benzes, attention to quality is paramount, with an extremely rigid body providing the basis for stable and safe handling characteristics both on and off the road. Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients.

A special dashboard display helps the driver by detailing information such as steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass

This is done with the aid of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention. With offroad transmission mode selected, the vehicle’s driving characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain and particularly loose surfaces can be met. A special dashboard display helps the driver by detailing information such as steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass, plus the roll angle in degrees and gradient in per cent.

The GLA also comes loaded with several other driving assistance systems. Standard-fit features include ‘Attention Assist’ drowsiness detection and radar-based ‘Collision Prevention Assist’, which will help protect against collisions from a speed of only four mph. There’s an option to upgrade this to ‘Collision Prevention Assist Plus’ which will automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond to the danger of a collision. It works from speeds of up to 124mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 18 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 12 mph. And the safety doesn’t stop there, with options of the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. For those not great at getting into tight spots, there’s also the Active Parking Assist package, which allows automatic parking in parallel and end-on spaces.

For more information on or to arrange a test-drive of the new GLA, Robinsons Mercedes-Benz is located at Cygnet Park, Phorpres Way, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 8JA. Telephone number: 0843 178 1150, or see www.robinsonsmotorgroup.co.uk for more details.

The GLA gets going… 1 2

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