As 2020 is nearing the end, the business sector must be looking forward to a new year. Though the pandemic is far from over, we now have a vaccine so there is hope that 2021 can see less worries about infection spreading.
The auto sector must certainly be looking forward to sales growth and is filling showrooms with new models. The latest to launch a new range is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) which today unveiled its eighth model to join the premium SUV line-up, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA. Two variants are available – the GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC – both of which are imported CBU from Germany.
Two variants, two engines
The GLA 200 comes in Progressive Line spec with a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder 163 bhp/250 Nm engine and 7G-DCT automatic transmission. The GLA 250 4MATIC has the AMG Line spec and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Turbocharging boosts output to 224 bhp/350 Nm which goes through an 8G-DCT automatic transmission to all 4 wheels.
Save money if you buy this month
Depending on when you buy the new cars, the price will differ. Before December 31, 2020, the exemption of half the amount of sales tax means the GLA 200 will be priced (without insurance) from RM244,199.82, and the GLA 250 from RM285,336.66. From January 1, if the exemption is not extended, then the 5% sales tax will be included which will raise the prices to RM252,888.00 and RM295,888.00, respectively.
The new GLA has, for some time, served as the entry-level model to the SUV family, offering the benefits of a compact car as well as a SUV. “The GLA is the key entry point to the brand in the fast-growing compact SUV family. The model enables us to offer a unique lifestyle proposition that is similar to the bigger GLB that we have recently introduced,” said Michael Jopp, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
This new generation is the second one since the model line appeared in 2013. While having a similar styling theme, the body is slightly smaller but the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm as it now sits on the MFA-2 platform. At 4.41 metres in length, it is the shortest vehicle in the current Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
As a crossover SUV, the styling has functionality but also sportiness, with short overhangs front and rear. As before, there are powerful shoulders and the coupe-like lines of the side windows which give a contoured side profile.
Like the other Mercedes-Benz SUV models, the radiator grille features distinctive openings along with a single louvre and a central star, with LED High Performance headlamp. All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasizes the vehicle’s character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.
More compact outside but more spacious inside
Although shorter than its predecessor, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior, particularly for rear legroom and luggage compartment volume. The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than before too, more typical of an SUV.
Utility value was, in general, one of the focuses of development. There is plenty of room for one or two people in the rear and with a 40:20:40 division of the backrests, flexibility in the layout is possible.
The height-adjustable load floor also offers considerable variability. When the rear seat backrests are folded down and the load floor is in the upper position, an almost flat loading area extending to the front seats can be created to take long items.
The instrument panel consists of a basic volume, which features optical ‘cut-outs’ in the driver and front passenger area. The cut-out on the driver’s side is dominated by the free-standing display unit with two 10.25-inch displays.
The round ventilation outlets (5 in all) have a high-quality turbine look with meticulously designed air guidance vanes. The door centre panel flows seamlessly over into the armrest, while the grab handle has a tubular profile and runs horizontally like a railing.
The latest generation of the Mercedes me connect is also standard with the GLA and of course, there is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) in its latest version. MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options to personalise interaction. Remote Engine Start is also available with the GLA 250.
Helping the driver
The GLA comes with many driving assistance systems, offering the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.
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