Mercedes-Benz Facelifts 2017 CLA Just In Time For New York


Mercedes sent the CLA and its Shooting Brake counterpart to the plastic surgeon for a light refresh and these are the results. 

The differences are subtle on the outside with new bumpers, a diamond radiator grille and new alloy wheel designs as Mercedes didn’t want to mess too much with the successful design of its compact model. 

The cabin now benefits from new upholstery options and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls while on the technology front Mercedes added a slimmer-looking freestanding eight-inch media display.

Other new tech features include the Active Brake Assist safety system, the Hands Free Access system which allows the tailgate to be opened without any physical contact and the optional LED High Performance headlamps which offer a color temperature closer to daylight than traditional xenon headlamps. 

US models will be available with two petrol engines: the turbocharged 208hp 2.0-litre in the CLA 250, mated exclusively to the seven-speed DCT gearbox and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive, and the updated turbocharged 375hp 2.0-litre in the range-topping CLA 45 AMG. The latter needs just 4.1 seconds for the 0-60mph procedure, with a limiter top speed of 155mph and a front mechanical limited-slip differential available in conjunction with the Dynamic Plus pack as an option. 

As for that sleek-looking Shooting Brake version, Mercedes is keeping it away from the US market again. European customers will be able to choose between a much wider range of diesel and petrol engines, with the most fuel efficient model to be the CLA 180 d which offers 109hp and 89g/km of CO2.

Also new for Europe is the CLA 220 4Matic version, which combines a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive while the Shooting Brake is now offered with the 122hp 1.6-litre petrol unit in the CLA 180 version.

Mercedes claims that they were able to make the CLA 45 AMG more aerodynamic, thanks to the new design of the spoiler lip on the boot lid, the front apron with splitter inserts and the rear diffuser which features four vertical fins. An optional aerodynamics pack is available to those who want more visual presence, including a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip and a pair of winglets over the air outlets on either side at the back. 

Regular models gain a new color option, Cavansite blue metallic with Mercedes offering a choice of five 18-inch alloy wheel options. AMG models can be upgraded to 19-inch cross-spoke design alloy wheels.

The 2017 Mercedes CLA is expected to hit the US showrooms in the third quarter of 2016 while customers in Europe will be able to order one from this April.



























Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more