Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2016 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of automotive recalls, with models from Citroen, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Peugeot affected.

Updated looks, improved spec and a more powerful diesel headline the facelifted CLA range.

Luxury SUV sales growth continues during first five months of 2016.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its newest member of the expanding A-Class family, the CLA Shooting Brake.As indicated over a year ago by Mercedes-Benz design boss Gordon Wagener, the new Shooting Brake will enter production in January 2015 becoming the prestige marque’s second coupe-come-wagon model after the larger CLS Shooting Brake.Mercedes describe the Shooting Brake as a more practical and spacious version of the stylish CLA sedan, for those buyers who don’t want to compromise style for usability, or plump for a more expensive C-Class Estate.From the A-pillar forward the design mirrors that of the standard CLA with the same headlight and grille design, the doors also feature the same swooshing character lines that have been adopted by most of the Mercedes passenger lineup in recent times.The roofline and D-pillar are new however, and there’s a sleek tailgate that exaggerates the length of the car giving almost yacht-like proportions in a similar fashion to the CLS Shooting Brake.Inside, the CLA Shooting Brake features the same youth-orientated interior design as the CLA four-door coupe, though the new roof design is said to give rear passengers greater headroom.Boot space has also swollen by 25-litres to 495-litres VDA. With the rear seats folded flat a total of 1354-litres VDA is available.Mechanicals for the wagon mirror the rest of the CLA range with a choice of turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel engines available with front-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.In overseas markets a manual transmission will be offered, but Australia’s love affair with autos will likely see the 7-speed double-clutch automatic the sole gearbox for locally delivered models.International turbodiesel options include the 100kW/300Nm CLA200 CDI and the CLA220 CDI with the same 2.1-litre turbodiesel unit in 130kW/350Nm tune. Both models can achieve around 4.2L/100km combined on the European cycle.The petrol range kicks off with the 90kW/200Nm CLA180 followed by the 115kW/250Nm CLA200 with both models capable of using around 6.0L/100km combined.The CLA250 uses a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot producing 155kW/350Nm and can hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds in all-wheel drive 4MATIC form. Combined fuel consumption for the all-paw Shooting Brake is 6.6L/100km.Mercedes is also launching a CLA45 AMG version of the Shooting Brake which gets the same 265kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbo unit as the performance arm’s other '45' models.Mercedes has carved yet another niche in the marketA 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and double-clutch transmission with launch control function helps the new model reach 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds – a tenth off the slightly lighter CLA45 sedan, but a tenth quicker than the GLA45 SUV with the same powertrain. The AMG model also features bigger brakes, more track-focused suspension and tyres and a number of styling pieces to give a sportier look. The new CLA load lugger won’t have any direct rivals when lands in Australia next year, as Mercedes has carved yet another niche in the market.Though Australian pricing and specifications are unconfirmed, expect the CLA Shooting Brake to be slightly more expensive than its sedan sibling, which starts at $50,900.

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Rumours of a hybrid drivetrain for Mitsubishi’s next-generation Evolution performance flagship are gaining momentum, with a new report by Japanese magazine Holiday Auto suggesting that the next Evo will maintain its traditional turbo petrol and all-wheel drive attributes with green-friendly plug-in hybrid power.According to the report, the Evo will benefit from technology developed for efficiency-focused models like the new plug-in Outlander SUV to improve on the current model’s combined fuel consumption of at least 10.1L/100km, while boosting performance to new levels.Porsche, McLaren and Ferrari have recently proven that the words performance and hybrid are not at all mutually exclusive with their 918 Spyder, P1, and LaFerrari fastest-ever models, and it’s only a matter of time before such tech trickles down to more affordable performance models like the Evo.The Mitsubishi is not the only bang-for bucks champion in line for hybridisation, with Nissan’s next GT-R also set to incorporate some form of efficiency-boosting electrification and Honda has confirmed a similar shift for its upcoming NSX.Holiday Auto suggests that the Evo will use a similar dual electric motor layout to the Outlander PHEV, but will ditch the SUV’s atmo 2.0-litre petrol engine for a smaller 1.1 litre turbo unit similar to that used by the XR and AR concepts shown in Tokyo recently.Mitsubishi is reportedly targeting outputs similar to a 3.0-litre aspirated engine for the Evo-spec 1100cc unit, which suggests something in the vicinity of 170kW, before electric power is factored in.   Such a 155kW/L specific output would mark a significant jump from the 108.6kW/L achieved from the 217kW 2.0-litre turbo unit in the existing Evo X, and exceed even the 133.1kW/L achieved by 265kW 2.0 litre four powering the Mercedes A45 and CLA45 AMG twins.Even with the Outlander PHEV’s dual 60kW electric motors, a circa-170kW petrol engine would have the potential to trounce the current Evo X, but these could be uprated in the pursuit of GT-R rivalling performance reported elsewhere.Also key to a hybrid Evo’s performance potential will be maintaining the Outlander PHEV’s battery system location ahead of the rear axle for the benefit of weight distribution.Other reports have suggested that the next Evolution will require a bespoke platform to deal with its unique packaging and performance demands, suggesting it could lose the Lancer name for the first time in the model’s history.Such a repositioning would mirror Nissan’s GT-R, which was distanced from the Skyline nameplate for the first time when the current R35 model launched in 2007.The next-generation Lancer is set to ride on a platform shared with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but it is unclear whether this strategy extends to the mooted Evo replacement.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

The car's coupe design gives it the most efficient aerodynamics on a mainstream production car. Kick off point is the CLA 200 with a 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine. It sips fuel at a combined rate of 5.7L/100km.Next up the ladder is the CLA 250 Sport u with a 2.0-litre, petrol, four cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged engine achieving 155kW/350Nm. This car's appearance is characterised by AMG styling, depicted by the diamond grille, intelligent light system, 18-inch' AMG wheels, sports pedals, AMG tuned suspension and sports steering wheel.Top of the range is the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG with 265kW/450Nm from a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine along with performance oriented 4matic all-wheel drive. This model is capable of extremely dynamic performance, clocking a 0-100kmh time in 4.6 seconds. A host of features are standard on the CLA-Class including 18-inch wheels, Becker Map Pilot Navigation, and a reversing camera.The 250 Sport gets heated electric leather sports seats with memory function and AMG styling. The 45 AMG includes AMG driver's package, AMG night package, AMG performance steering wheel, COMAND navigation and a Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system as standard. The CLA-Class will also arrive with exceptional safety features as standard. 

The "shooting brake" has captivated the car-loving consciousness almost since the introduction of the automobile, but in recent years, it has risen to a new level, with cars like the Ferrari FF pushing the concept into unexplored territory.Mercedes-Benz has done its own work with the idea, although not meeting the strictest definition of the "shooting brake" term.The four-door CLS Shooting Brake has two more doors than is typical for the body style, but claims it over the "wagon" moniker due to the sloping roof line that preserves a bit of the four-door coupe's shape.Now, it looks like the CLA Class four-door coupe may get the shooting brake treatment as well. According to a report from WhatCar? Mercedes-Benz design boss Gordon Wagener has indicated the CLA Shooting Brake is in the works. Previous reports had hinted that Mercedes was planning to build two shooting brakes as much as two years ago.Perhaps even more enticing than the standard CLA Class getting the shooting brake treatment is the possibility that it will extend to the CLA 45 AMG as well, much like the CLS Shooting Brake has its CLS 63 AMG variant.www.motorauthority.com

Mercedes-AMG has made its name on sharp-edged performance. And, until recently, that's involved cramming large-displacement engines under the hood. Now, surprisingly — representing a significant turnaround from some years ago — even AMG sees hybrid powertrains in its future. While BMW and Audi have been refocusing their performance efforts toward diesel engines, AMG chairman Ola Källenius told Edmunds that diesels don't deliver the aggressive characteristics of a gasoline engine. According to Källenius, AMG will produce a hybrid model “when the market is ready for it.” V12 engines can be offered for at least another five or six years, he says, but looking ahead we'll see a clear trend toward turbocharging and downsizing. Luckily, the executive points out, some of the development for F1 and production sports-car technology — especially concerning weight and materials — is converging. The new 2014 CLA45 AMG is already leading the performance division down a fresh path. With its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 265 kW, pushes the kilowatts-per-litre limits of petrol engines, at present. Supplementing smaller turbocharged engines with electric motor systems could, if properly tuned, provide a compelling powertrain for future performance models. AMG has a rich history of thoroughly re-engineering or reworking engines, transmissions, and every core component for a sharper, more satisfying driving experience, and by the time such models arrive, we fully expect the same here. www.motorauthority.com  

Prestige cars will continue to cost us less than ever with a Mercedes-Benz sedan that's priced at less than a Subaru Liberty going on sale in December.With a price tag to be a little over $50,000 the CLA is the least expensive Mercedes of its type ever sold in Australia. It will be some $2000 more than the top priced Mazda6, less by  the same sum than an upper bracket Subaru and almost $10,000 below the popular Mercedes-Benz C-Class.Unlike the C-Class, the country's best-selling mid-size imported car, the CLA enters showrooms well under the luxury car tax threshold, which takes effects from $58,000.The traditionally premium cost German luxury brands are fighting a price war that has already seen Mercedes, BMW and Audi market family-sized hatchbacks for as low as $34,900. Last month Mercedes released the A-Class hatch at $36,000, less than a basic Commodore.Mercedes-Benz spokesman Jerry Stamoulis said the CLA was another move toward broader acceptance. The world's oldest carmaker has the world's oldest buyers with an average age of 55, among the highest of any auto brand."People who buy the CLA will very likely never have even considered a Mercedes-Benz," he said. "We want to get into people's lives earlier. We think they'll continue to buy Mercedes."Billed as a "four door coupe", the CLA is closely related to the A-Class, which has become the best selling car of its type with demand threatening to outstrip supply.The unprecedented plunge into affordability by the prestige brands is placing pressure on Japanese brands and Volkswagen, whose new Golf is released next month.WHAT $50k BUYS YOU - the sedans being squeezed from aboveHonda Accord Euro - $43,140Mazda6 Atenza diesel - $49,690Subaru Liberty Premium - $52,990Toyota Aurion Presara - $49,990Volkswagen CC - $54,990