A Car for Driving

Mercedes-BenzThe "CLA-Class" is a model that is enjoyable to drive, true to its sporty looks. Launched in Japan on July 24, 2013,the CLA-Class. Its position in the Mercedes lineup, as its name suggests, breaks down to CL = 4-door coupe, A = compact. It shares its platform with the A-Class.




The lineup in Japan is as follows.
CLA 180 (1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo / ¥3,350,000)
CLA 250 (2-liter 4-cylinder turbo / ¥4,590,000)
CLA 250 4MATIC (same as above / ¥4,840,000)
CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC (same as above / ¥7,100,000)


Among these, the models test-driven this time were the base grade CLA 180 with a maximum output of 122ps and the CLA 250 with 211ps. Both are front-wheel-drive, with the full-time 4WD system model and the AMG model to be delivered slightly later.

The CLA-Class is neither a hatchback for daily use nor a large sedan that forms the core of the lineup. It is a model that emphasizes dynamism and youthfulness for those who find enjoyment in driving. The aggressive styling, with the "diamond grille" (adopted on all models) that gained popularity in the new A-Class, and the front grille appearing to warp the bumper as if emphasizing the engine's presence, clearly speaks to this car being one for driving.


When you actually grip the steering wheel, you realize that the engine's ample torque and direct steering feel are balanced with a suspension system that is firm yet smooth, creating a charm found only in this car.

More Powerful Than Expected

One of the features of the base model CLA 180 is its newly developed 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. It employs Mercedes' "BlueDIRECT" technology. This is an engine aimed at high efficiency, meaning better fuel economy.



To get a bit technical, the key to this engine lies in its lean-burn system, which creates a mixture leaner than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (the optimal balance ratio of gasoline and the air needed to burn it). This reduces fuel consumption. Yet, it produces a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1,250 rpm. It is exempt from automobile weight tax and automobile acquisition tax.

When driven, it is more powerful than expected. The combination with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is also well-tuned, with no shift shock whatsoever, and no feeling of torque deficiency during acceleration.


Compared to the CLA 250, which will be discussed later, the steering is slightly slower and the suspension is tuned more towards comfort, making it a suitable model for city driving. The high-back seats, similar to those in the A-Class, personally feel a bit constricting at the back of the head, but their support and cushioning are excellent.

Why It Has Four Doors

The CLA 250 (¥4,590,000) also features the lean-burn "BlueDIRECT" 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, similar to the CLA 180. Its maximum output is 211ps/5,500rpm, and maximum torque is 350Nm/1,200-4,000rpm. It is eligible for a 75% reduction in automobile weight tax and automobile acquisition tax. The drivetrain is front-wheel-drive combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch system.


The CLA 250 is characterized by a sportier tuning than the CLA 180. The response to even the slightest press of the accelerator pedal is sharp, and the 1,470kg vehicle dashes effortlessly. The suspension is firm, and although the suspension system claims to enhance quietness and comfort by using rubber material in the rear axle carrier, the dampers and springs are stiffer than those on the CLA 180.

The aerodynamics of the body have been meticulously refined, achieving a Cd value of 0.23. Furthermore, revisions to various parts of the body have resulted in exceptional cabin quietness, with virtually no wind noise from around the windows. Consequently, some tire noise enters from the wheel wells, but this is due to the overall quietness, and passengers can converse in whispers.


The rear seats also feature high-back seats, similar to the A-Class. When getting in and out, one must be careful not to hit their head on the roof due to the deliberately small window arch, but once seated, there is ample legroom, and the reason for having four doors becomes clear. It would be perfect for those who often travel with one other person or for families with children.

The trunk space is also emphasized as having a capacity of "470 liters, larger than the C-Class" (according toMercedes-BenzJapan), and by using the trunk-through function where the rear seatbacks fold down, it can accommodate three adults and three golf bags.


For those who want to drive stylishly in the city, the CLA 180 is a good choice. For those who want a fun-to-drive personal car for under 5 million yen, I recommend the CLA 250.

The CLA-Class Also Boasts Thorough Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz's sales are reportedly booming. Global sales in the first half of 2013 exceeded 690,000 units, a "record high." In Japan, sales reached 24,000 units in the same period, a 124% increase year-on-year. This is attributed to the release of new models such as theA-Class, theE-Class, and theS-Class, as well as the expansion of the standard "Radar Safety Package" to the C-Class, which has been highly praised, according to Mercedes-Benz Japan's public relations department.


The CLA-Class also features thorough safety equipment. It's understandable that many people buy Mercedes vehicles with these features in mind. It is equipped with a stereo camera and a millimeter-wave radar as its "eyes." For example, the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist (CPA), which emits an audible warning if the distance to the vehicle ahead becomes too small at speeds above 7 km/h or if there is a risk of collision within 2.6 seconds, is standard equipment.

Distronic Plus, which automatically maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and brakes accordingly

"Collision Prevention Plus" to prevent rear-end collisions with the vehicle ahead

Although it is an optional ¥190,000 for all models except the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, a "Safety Package" is available.


CPA Plus: Enhances CPA functionality, automatically assisting with braking when the driver's braking is deemed insufficient by the car.

Distronic Plus: Automatically maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and brakes accordingly.

Lane Keeping Assist: Warns of lane departure by vibrating the steering wheel at speeds above 60 km/h.

Blind Spot Assist: Monitors the blind spots in the door mirrors and warns of danger.

PRE-SAFE®: If a collision is unavoidable, it activates the electric seatbelt tensioners, automatically closes the side windows, and adjusts the position of the passenger seat.


Unlike the E-Class and S-Class, the CLA-Class does not offer a steering assist function that automatically keeps the vehicle within its lane.


Mercedes-Benz advocates "Safety & Comfort," and I was impressed that the CLA-Class also offers enjoyment and edgy styling.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 180
Body Dimensions: Length 4,640 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,430 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,545 / 1,545 mm
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Weight: 1,470 kg
Engine: 1,595 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Max Output: 90 kW (122 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) / 1,250-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed AT (DCT)
Drivetrain: FF
Suspension Front/Rear: Strut / 4-link
Tires: 225/40R18
Brakes: Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08): 17.4 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity (VDA): 470 ℓ
Price: ¥3,350,000


Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Body Dimensions: Length 4,685 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,430 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,545 / 1,545 mm
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Weight: 1,500 kg
Engine: 1,991 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Max Output: 155 kW (211 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed AT (DCT)
Drivetrain: FF
Suspension Front/Rear: Strut / 4-link
Tires: 225/40R18
Brakes: Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08): 16.6 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity (VDA): 470 ℓ
Price: ¥4,590,000