Mercedes-Benz CLA 2020 review: 200

The second-generation CLA is hands-down the best designed small sedan on the road, and light years better looking than the generation it replaced. Importantly, this CLA is larger in all dimensions - apart from the height, which has been lowered. It's an incredibly well-proportioned car.

While the Jupiter Red paint finish would not be my first choice, it’s well complimented by the smart-looking 19-inch AMG black alloy wheels ($1390 option). If it weren’t for the badging on the rear you’d be forgiven for mistaking this test car for something more performance focussed.

The CLA is an incredibly well-proportioned car.

The colour palette continues inside the cabin with red and black Lugano leather used for the seats and doors. Elsewhere, the high quality fixtures and finishings abound throughout - in combination with clever ambient lighting- create a premium feel in the cabin, particularly at night.  

For me, the car’s technology is the show stealer, with the two MBUX-equipped 10.25-inch screens providing a hi-tech window into a world few other auto brands can match. Graphic quality is outstanding, and there are myriad of ways drivers can customise the interfaces to their tastes, with the ability to interact via voice and/or touch commands.

The multimedia system comes with sat nav, digital radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s ample space for front seat passengers, with head room extended by 17mm, but it's more of a squeeze for adults in the rear. The CLA left its mark early, though, as I managed to smack my head against top edge of the sloping C pillar when plonking myself in the rear seat. Sat behind my driving position, my head rested slightly shy of the roof line with only a slither of knee room behind the seat in front (I’m 180cm).

My kids who are 10 (twins) and 13 were not troubled at all by the back-seat space, with good visibility for them out of the rear windows.

The 460 litres (VDA) of boot space easily accommodated the weekly shop and all the kids' gear, with the useful 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats on hand to increase cargo space. Thoughtful additions back there include tie-down hooks, a 12-volt outlet, stretchy storage pockets and a cargo net. The CLA comes with run-flat tyres so there’s no spare tyre.

Putting aside its size for a moment, the CLA’s combination of thoughtful technology and practicality is clearly evident. We'll cover technology in more detail later.

My kids in the back had access to a centre fold-down armrest with two cupholders, bottle holders in the doors, map pockets on the front seat backs, and adjustable air vents. Up front, storage includes two cupholders in the centre console, a lidded bin/armrest between the seats (including twin USB ports), an overhead sunglass holder, decent door pockets with room for bottles and a medium-sized glove box.

On hand to help navigate the local supermarket car park were a suite of parking aids, including passenger mirror with reverse parking position, reversing camera, plus ‘Parking Distance Control’ (front and rear).

The CLA 200 contains a colossal amount of active and passive tech and as such was awarded the maximum five ANCAP stars in 2018.

The list of active safety tech is extensive, with ABS, stability and traction controls, AEB, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring (with exit warning assistant), crosswind assist, active lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and auto high beam.

For greater peace of mind there are nine airbags including side airbags for rear seat occupants, a 'Pre-Safe' accident system and an 'Active Bonnet' feature which automatically tilts to minimise pedestrian injuries.

For parents with small kids there are three child restraint/baby capsule top tether points across the back seat, and two ISOFIX anchors.

Starting price for the CLA 200 is $59,500 with Mercedes offering an extensive list of neatly packaged options for buyers keen to add extra touches to their ride.   

Our test car came with five option packages totalling an additional $12,340, pushing the final price to $71,840. These include the ‘AMG Exclusive Package’ ($3190), the ‘Communications Package’ ($2490) - Burmester 590W, 12-speaker ‘surround sound’ audio, the ‘Seat Comfort Package’ ($1290) - electric front seats, memory function for driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and head-up display, and the ‘Vision Package’ ($2490).