Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) Review

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The thinking behind the successful Mercedes CLS four-door coupe was applied to the family hatch via the A-Class-based Mercedes CLA, and the small, stylish saloon proved to be a hit.

+Better quality ride than A-Class. Decent sized boot given its size. Well finished interior. Estate version from 2015.

-Not particularly engaging or rewarding to drive. Rear seats are only really for occasional use.

Insurance Groups are between 20–46
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

After the Mercedes CLS proved a big seller, the German company sought to do the same at a more affordable level. To achieve this, it used the Mercedes A-Class as a base to create a four-door coupe called the Mercedes CLA. Buyers loved it and it continues to be popular with used buyers. Direct rivals were thin on the ground and not even the Audi A3 Saloon or dynamically impressive BMW 2 Series Coupe can match the drama of the Mercedes CLA. There was even a compact estate model from 2015. Read on for our Mercedes CLA review.

The Mercedes CLA made small saloons sexy. Without a saloon option for the latest generations of Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, buyers looking for a small car with a boot didn’t have much choice. The Volkswagen Jetta had pretty much the market to itself.

But the Jetta, for all its qualities, doesn’t have the cachet of a Mercedes, Audi or BMW. And this is why the Mercedes CLA is particularly noteworthy. It was the starting gun for small coupe-like saloons from all three of the premium German manufacturers.

The Mercedes CLA itself was pitched as a having the look of the larger Mercedes CLS, but without the price tag. There is certainly a resemblance there, with a distinctive, rakish rear that blurs the line between saloon and coupe.

There was nothing like it on the market, so it flew out of showrooms.

Being based on the Mercedes A-Class meant front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines.

There was a limited line-up from launch, with just the Mercedes CLA 180 petrol and Mercedes CLA 220 CDI diesel on offer. Later in 2013 came the Mercedes CLA 200 CDI and Mercedes CLA 250, as well as the headline-grabbing Mercedes CLA 45 AMG with 355PS.

Up front, it’s very similar to the Mercedes A-Class with upmarket-looking controls that have a top-quality feel to them. It also has an iPad-esque tablet mounted to the dash. It’s standard and is how many of the car’s functions, including the stereo and sat-nav, are accessed.

Overall the Mercedes CLA offered a new spin for buyers whose default choice may previously have been an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series.

The looks won’t be to everyone’s taste, but those who like the coupe-esque styling or had previously fancied a Mercedes CLS were guaranteed to love it.

Read our review of the latest Mercedes-Benz CLA here.

Ask Honest John

Can you suggest a sporty replacement for my Mercedes-Benz SLK?

"I currently own a Mercedes-Benz SLK 300. I love its acceleration, looks and quality. However, I feel I now need a larger car with more boot space and rear seats. I don't want a convertible anymore but would love a panoramic sunroof that slides back, and a powerful engine is a must! My budget would be up to £28,000 for a car up to three years of age, what do you recommend?"
If you wanted to keep to the Mercedes-Benz brand have you looked at the CLA or CLA Shooting Brake? It's effectively an A-Class underneath but has a longer, more sleek body. It's available with some powerful engines and a panoramic sunroof came on some versions. There's also the C-Class Coupe which does have four seats but isn't as practical as the CLA. It'll be nicer to drive, though, with a rear-wheel drive chassis and better interior quality.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Can you recommend a car with a shooting brake bodystyle?

"I want to buy a car with a bodystyle that consists of a two-door coupe at the front and estate at the back. It must have four seats and preferably four-wheel drive. Can you recommend anything? All I can find is the Ferrari GTC4Lussom which is over £200k!"
Shooting Brakes aren't necessarily four-wheel drives with two doors, Mercedes-Benz makes shooting brake versions of the CLS and CLA, Porsche calls the Panamera Gran Turismo a shooting brake. Want something cheaper? There's always the Reliant Scimitar.
Answered by Russell Campbell

Where can I find a garage to change my transmission fluid?

" Where can I find a garage in the Reading area to change the transmission fluid in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI?"
Thank you for your message. These are the best-rated garages in the Reading area: https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/south-east/berkshire/reading Any quality garage will be able to carry out a transmission fluid change.
Answered by David Ross

Buying a Mercedes-Benz CLA - 220d or 200d?

"I am considering buying a Mercedes-Benz CLA, is the 220d worth the extra over the 200d. I do circa 20,000 miles per year and the base spec seems enough for my needs, but do you recommend any extras?"
200, 220 and 250CDI are all the same engine with the wick progressively turned up. The 200 is the most reliable. Satnav will be useful.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013 – 2018) cost?