Mercedes-Benz CLA200 vs Mitsubishi eK X EV

What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz’s Gordon Wagener is a car design rock star. He’s the guy that shapes the three-pointed star’s design strategy and a decade ago introduced the concept of ‘sensual purity’ as a key driver of the way the brand’s cars should look and feel. And this is the latest expression of that thought, the second-generation (C118) CLA four-door Coupe.

Wagener’s influence is critical here because the CLA is one of the most fashion-focused offerings in the ever-broadening Mercedes-Benz range.

But does the drive match the creative style? We got behind the wheel of the first model to arrive, the entry-level CLA 200, to find out.

If EVs are to make a meaningful difference to our collective environmental impact, there's one thing standing in the way: price.

Complexity, competency and capability have all improved since EVs started entering new car showrooms a decade ago, but in that time the price tags haven't improved all that much.

Buying an EV is still a rich person's game and scarcity on the used-car market means there are few true bargains for those willing to go with something second-hand. Even the Chinese aren't selling electric cars below the $40K barrier yet.

And that's where the Mitsubishi eK X EV comes in - or at least it would, if Mitsubishi Motors Australia chose to bring it to our shores.

Though it's unconfirmed for our market for now, we took the opportunity to spend a bit of time behind the wheel in its home (and so far, only) market of Japan.

Appetite for eco cars has been strong in Japan for a long time now, and the eK X EV (along with its platform twin the Nissan Sakura) arrives at a time where Japanese motorists are crying out for more affordable all-electric options.

Though its diminutive size and limited single-charge range would exclude it from consideration for a large number of Aussie motorists, would the compact eK X EV nevertheless make sense in Australian cities as a low-cost runabout for urbanites? It's certainly a question worth asking.