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Mercedes-Benz CLA shooting brake 2015 review: road test

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EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

  • Plenty of grip
  • Boot almost as big as the larger Mercedes C-Class
  • Looks great inside and out

Dislikes

  • Price is very close the the C-class which has a better interior fitout
Craig Duff
Contributing Journalist
12 Jun 2015
3 min read

Benz's small car goes practical with a half-hatch, half-wagon version. The absence of a rear lid won't stop the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake from putting the boot into the competition.

The fifth model in Benz's small car line-up is half-hatch, half-wagon and, compared with the CLA Coupe on which it is based, it is a fundamentally better proposition.

Subjectively, its styling hardens up the "droopy" rear end of the four-door coupe. The 42mm of extra rear headroom, larger rear doors, bigger and better-accessed load space and softer shock absorbers can be objectively appreciated.

Proving practicality isn't necessarily a driving factor at this end of the market, Benz doesn't expect the shooting brake to mirror the coupe's success. And the coupe has been a hit by any measure. It has already found homes in 1247 garages this year, putting it ahead of the Audi A4, which is in itself a fairly convincing car.

The company line is the shooting brake gives buyers a bit more space without having to stretch to a C-Class wagon. Owners will pay $1500 over the comparable coupe for the four versions of the shooting brake.

Prices start at $52,400 for the CLA 200, which comes with semi-autonomous emergency braking, blind-sport alert, eight-inch infotainment screen with satnav, reversing camera and automated tailgate. Opt for the similarly equipped diesel CLA200 CDI and the entry cost is $52,900.

The pick of the range in terms of price and performance is the CLA250 Sport 4Matic. As the name suggests, it has all-wheel-drive to boost grip and adds an AMG-enhanced drivetrain, sportier stability control setting, powered and heated front seats, electric sunroof and upgraded trim.

The "diamond-studded" front grille won't do it any harm when buyers walk into showrooms, either.

The CLA Shooting Brake has a notably more supple ride than the coupe

The hero is the CLA45 AMG 4Matic at $89,900. The visual upgrades run to more aggressive front and rear bumpers and 19-inch rims but buyers are investing in the mechanical updates, communicated to the world via the AMG badge. There are three stability control settings, upgraded suspension, beefier brakes and 2.0-litre turbo that tears the wheels off sports cars for fun, as the 100km/h time of 4.7 seconds will attest.

Driving

The CLA Shooting Brake has a notably more supple ride than the coupe.

The springs are the same but the dampers have been softened to allow for the load-lugging potential and that has had the effect of taking the initial hit out of small, square-edged bumps.

The AMG versions — including the CLA250 — are a better ride again, courtesy of different suspension tune and the performance division's refusal to fit its variants with the run-flat tyres regular Benzes roll on.

Dimensions mirror those of the coupe, as does the interior fitout, from the tablet-style screen to the semisoft trim in the most conspicuous and most contacted areas of the cabin. Look lower down and harder plastics hint at cost-cutting in the less obvious areas of the fascia.

No complaints about the steering wheel or drive position, though. The front seats are a comfortable place regardless of time or distance spent in them.

The rear seats — described by Benz as a "2+1" layout — are supportive but there isn't quite enough legroom to accommodate long-limbed bodies for long distances.

Mercedes-Benz CLA200 2015: CDI

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 2.1L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 4.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $18,370 - $23,320
Safety Rating

Verdict

The CLA Shooting Brake joins the GLA as the most practical of Benz's small car fleet. It looks smart, rides well and will carry four adults without requiring orthopedic intervention.

At this price, though, I'd chase the bank for another $7000 to get behind the wheel of a C-Class with similar features and a better interior fitout.

Pricing Guides

$23,205
Based on 8 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$17,999
HIGHEST PRICE
$27,790
Craig Duff
Contributing Journalist
Craig Duff is a former CarsGuide contributor and News Corp Australia journalist. An automotive expert with decades of experience, Duff specialises in performance vehicles and motorcycles.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$17,999
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2015 Mercedes‑Benz CLA‑Class
See Pricing & Specs

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