Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its second-generation CLA will kick off at $59,500 before on-road costs for the 200 variant, an increase of $6000 over its predecessor's equivalent grade.

The barrier of entry is now $10,100 higher than before as the new-gen CLA ditches the base 180 grade to open with the 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol 200 that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

However, the increase in price matches the CLA's increase in dimensions, which now measure 4688mm long (+48mm), 1830mm wide (+53mm), 1439mm tall (-2mm) and with a 2729mm wheelbase (+30mm).

Despite the drop in height, Benz says the new CLA sports increased head-, shoulder- and elbow room for both front and rear occupants, while the boot aperture is also now widened to 262mm.

Built on the same MFA2 platform as the A-Class hatch and sedan, the CLA features multi-link rear suspension as standard, and the expanded dimensions mean an increased front and rear track width of 63mm and 55mm respectively.

Inside, the CLA sports the brand's new MBUX multimedia system that is displayed on a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, complete with satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, natural language voice commands, and Mercedes me Connect smartphone app functionality.

Instrumentation is also all digital and shown on a 10.25-inch display that can be tweaked and customised according to driver preferences.

Standard equipment on the CLA 200 includes an 'AMG Line' exterior styling kit, automatic climate control, sports seats, 64-colour ambient lighting system, 18-inch wheels, wireless smartphone charger, push-button start and keyless entry.

Safety gear extends to automatic headlights and wipers, adaptive highbeams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition and the brand's 'Active Brake Assist' semi-autonomous braking.

Buyers can also personalise their CLA with a 'Vision Package', 'Communications Package' and 'Exclusive Package' that add an assortment of equipment such as surround-view monitor, premium sound system and head-up display.

Those wanting a bit more punch and all-paw grip will have to wait until later this year when the CLA 250 4Matic and AMG-tuned CLA 35 4Matic hit showrooms, both powered by 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines developing 165kW/350Nm and 225kW/400Nm respectively.

The recently-revealed Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S and its beefy 310kW/500Nm powertrain is also earmarked for an Australian showroom arrival in the first quarter of 2020.

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