Mercedes-Benz GLA250 News

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced increased prices and specification levels for its facelifted GLA.

More and more small-car buyers are finding their $20,000-something budget can upgrade them from what they need into the SUV they really want.A small SUV explosion is hitting showrooms and, as Mazda teases its CX-3 this week ahead of the Los Angeles show, it looks as if every brand that's serious about winning new owners is focusing on that segment. It's much easier to get a first-car buyer hooked on your brand than to win a convert later, which is why so much advertising is now aimed at on twenty-somethings and the SUVs they crave."People like them, they're practical, they're flexible, and you can sit up high. And there is an adventure element, even if you never use it," says Mazda Australia marketing chief Alastair Doak."With these vehicles, because they're priced from the low $20,000s and up, more people are realising they can actually afford an SUV." The boom has pitched the Ford EcoSport and Holden Trax against the Subaru XV, probably the best looker but limited by lacklustre performance and an undersized boot.The two biggest sellers in the class, the Hyundai ix35 and Volkswagen Tiguan, will be punted out of the competition in 2015. They are both beyond the size limits for a 'small' SUV tag, something now recognised by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.So the pecking order will change, even more with the arrival of the CX-3 and Renault Captur, denied to Australia for nearly a year as a result of booming worldwide demand."It's a big growth segment and we're keen to jump into that. This gives us an entry right at the sweet spot," says Doak of the CX-3.He believes the new Mazda can change the rules in the class, just as the Mazda3 and latest Mazda2 are doing, with a combination of an efficient 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine and front-wheel drive, good looks and classy finishing. As to price, he merely says the CX-3 will be very competitive when it arrives next year."We are going to treat this with the respect it deserves," he says, "and make sure we have a full line-up of models." He expects the arrival of so many baby SUVs to create much wider ripples in Australian motoring, by winning sales from the small-car class rather than the cars with which they share platforms. So that could mean fewer people will buy a Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3.If that's true, it could tip the balance of power completely in favour of work-and-play utes in the fight for No. 1 in showrooms. The Toyota HiLux has topped the sales charts several times and, with a new model landing in 2015, it could become a longer-term leader in Australia.CHOICESHolden Trax - Three starsPrice: From $23,990Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl, 103kW/175NmTransmission: 5-speed man; FWDThirst: 7.0L/100kmLowdown: Not the best in the class but a very strong seller thanks to the pricing, Holden badge and recent engine upgrade. It's the benchmark but doesn't set the bar too high for comparison drives.Mercedes-Benz GLA - Four starsPrice: From $47,900Engine: 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, 100kW/300NmTransmission: 7-speed auto; FWDThirst: 4.6L/100kmLowdown: Best of the new-generation Benz babies but also one of the dearest in the class. Works very well as a basic front-drive turbo diesel. The AMG 45 is the one to get if you have an unlimited budget.Subaru XV - Three starsPrice: From $28,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 110kW/196NmTransmission: CVT; AWDThirst: 7.0L/100kmLowdown: Good-looking, well-built with security of AWD. Not a great performer and small boot is a major flaw for kid-friendly motoring. Good for city singles.SECOND-HANDThe Nissan Dualis is the one for me, even though it's now called the Qashquai after the arrival of an all-new model a couple of months ago.It's the right size for most people, is well priced and drives well enough, and there is even a seven-seater if you need it.The Dualis is not as sexy as newer arrivals, because it hit before the youth drive in small SUVs, but it still does most things right. Nissan's long-term warranty and the basic quality also make sense for the longer haul.

The Mercedes-Benz tie-up with Nissan-Renault for supply of some engines could result in a baby X-Class SUV based on the little Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.The German brand's head of research and development, Thomas Weber, told the UK's Auto Express a crossover was under consideration to sit below the coming A-Class based GLA and GLA45 AMG. “We are watching it closely, but there are other gaps in the range that are more interesting,” he is cited as saying.Previous reports in German media have suggested that the engine tie-up between the companies could result in a small crossover based on the same platform that underpins the Juke and Captur -- and likely powered by the turbo engine from the latter.That means a 1.6-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder unit developing 118kW of power and 380Nm of torque. However if the project gets the nod, expect interiors to be considerably more upmarket to distance the Merc from its Nissan-Renault cousins.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

As many as eight SUVs will crowd into Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Australia within five years as the German brand expands its family-friendly lineup. The most important of Benz's new babies is the all-new GLA, but it is expected to be followed by a tiddler, a crossover coupe based on the ML and a youthful newcomer built from last year's Ener-G-Force concept. The mid-sized GLK, which has been a glaring Australian omission in recent years in a class dominated by the Audi Q3 and BMW X3, is already confirmed below the existing ML, GL and G-Class. It is coming in 2015 as the second-generation GLK is finally built with right-hand drive. But it's the GLA which will make the biggest impact next year, as Benz's five-model compact drive nears its conclusion. The GLA is one of four models now confirmed - after the A-Class and B-Class that are on sale, as well as the CLA coupe - with one still secret.It's most-obvious rival is the Range Rover Evoque, a design-driven success that's been a sellout around the world. The GLA is coming in the second quarter of 2014 and company spokesman, David McCarthy, says it will do a similar re-set job in the SUV class to the A-Class that has drawn buyers from a range of cheaper rivals including the Volkswagen Golf. "The obvious competitors are amongst our German colleagues. But where it will be positioned on price, there will be a lot of people who lift their expectation from something like a Subaru," he says, without actually revealing the price. McCarthy says the GLA is the most important of the compact newcomers, even though the A and B-Class have been selling strongly. "We're excited about it. The compact SUV category is very strong. And we want to play there. "It's also an important stepping stone to the GLK, the ML, and further up the SUV range." And he cannot resist a swipe at the GLA's likely rivals. "Dare I say, it's the stylish utility vehicle," he says tongue-in-cheek. "It looks great and it's something very new for us. But we're going to have problems with supply." As details of the GLA become public, McCarthy confirms a commitment to AMG performance models - the A45 is already up and running in Australia - for everything short of the B. "There will be AMG versions of all of them, except for the B Class. This year we will potentially do 1500 AMGs in total," he says. Mercedes is forecasting more than 1000 baby-car sales this year, as the brand looks to beat BMW in the showroom stakes. "People joke about this, but our goal is to sell every single car that we put our name against for a profit. We don't believe it moving forwards by looking backwards," says McCarthy. This report is on Twitter: @paulwardgover  

As many as eight SUVs will crowd into Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Australia within five years as the German brand expands its family-friendly lineup. Watch the video here

We know Mercedes-Benz is planning a new compact crossover based on the platform underpinning the CLA and to be labeled a GLA. We also know the vehicle is scheduled to make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10. Now we have our first official look thanks to a set of official images that leaked onto the internet just hours after Mercedes released a teaser video and some design sketches. This isn’t the GLA concept car we saw at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show but the production GLA set for a debut next month and due in Australia towards the end of the year, as a 2014 model.  Pricing is expected to be around $45,000-$70,000 to match rivals, with the spread of prices depending on drivetrain and specification. The GLA - which shares the platform and drivetrain with the A250 hatch, the CLA sedan and the B-Class hatch - will be available with similar petrol and diesel engines. That means the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder found in the A250 and base CLA, delivering 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with drive sent to either the front or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other engines are also on the cards, including 115kW turbo 1.6-litre for the base model GLA200, a 100kW 1.8-litre turbodiesel for the GLA200 CDI, and the 265kW turbo petrol four-cylinder from the A45 AMG. We’ve already seen numerous prototypes, though these have been heavily camouflaged. The images show a rugged vehicle that’s managed to maintain the svelte lines of the previous concept. The GLA echoes the styling of the A250 and other models with a large twin-bar grille and swept-back headlights. But it follows the A250 detail with coupe-style frameless doors, recessed door handles and wrap-around tail lights. Shots of the interior showed a layout virtually identical to that found in the CLA. Key competitors include the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. www.motorauthority.com  

We’ve been reporting for several years on Mercedes-Benz’s plans to launch a new compact crossover based on its ‘MFA’ small car platform, which is currently found in the latest A Class and B Class models as well as the 2014 CLA Class four-door coupe arriving later this year priced from about $50,000. Mercedes-Benz then made its compact crossover official last July, announcing at the start of production of its new A Class that the MFA platform will eventually span five different models, including the crossover. The latest spy images of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA reveal the shape of the vehicle better, with previous thick plastic cladding now absent, and in its place, simple black and white camouflage. The shape revealed is as you might expect of a compact Mercedes-Benz crossover, though with pronounced haunches and an undisguised glass roof. The roofline arches slightly, sloping quickly at the rear to adopt an almost hatchback-like shape. Previous shots of the GLA Class showed it testing in taxi cab form, complete with a sign on the roof, but still wearing camouflage. Much of the car's detail remained obscured, but the overall proportions were clear, blending some of the new A-Class's style with a more crossover-like stance. Even earlier spy shots showed a prototype for the German carmaker’s baby crossover in civilian trim. The new crossover is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year as a 2014 model. No name has been formally announced, though we’re expecting it to be called the GLA Class. To compete against the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1, upcoming Lincoln MKC and, to a lesser extent, the MINI Countryman, expect the GLA to be a bit more sporting in appearance than the average crossover, although engines are likely to be pulled from current A and B class offerings. In other words, expect the GLA to look fast but not go so fast (unless, of course, you opt for the planned AMG version). As the spy shots reveal, the styling is similar to that of the A Class hatchback, though the vehicle is wider and its grille larger. We can also see the tail-light graphics, which appear to combine elements from both the A-Class and latest CLA. The base engine in the U.S. should be the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder found in the base CLA. Rated at 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque, this engine will be able to send drive to either the front or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other markets will receive less powerful units as well as diesels. An AMG version, most likely labelled a GLA45 AMG, is also in the works, and will be coming with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four with more than 246 kW that will be fitted to the upcoming A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG models. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class interior Inside, owners will find something similar to that found in the CLA. This means standard Bluetooth, cruise control, a powered-driver seat, and MB-Tex trim. A 5.8-inch screen will come standard, with Mercedes’ COMAND interface and a 7.0-inch screen offered as an option. A Multimedia package will add items such as a DVD changer, 10 GB music drive, backup camera and voice control. Stay tuned for updates on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class as development progresses. Note, to make way for this new compact crossover, Mercedes’ existing offering, the GLK Class, is expected to grow in size for its next-generation. www.motorauthority.com  

The uptown wagon market goes into overdrive as Mercedes enters the premium compact SUV sector. Shown this week at the Shanghai motor show, the Mercedes-Benz GLA concept becomes the third A-Class model and the first baby SUV to take on the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and Audi Q3. Mercedes Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the GLA - heavily based on the concept shown at Shanghai - goes into production next year and is expected in Australia soon after. It will be shown in production form later this year at the Frankfurt motor show. Pricing is expected to be around $50,000-$70,000 to match rivals, with prices depending on drivetrain and specification. Mr Stamoulis says the GLA - which shares the platform and drivetrain with the current A250 hatch, the upcoming CLA sedan and the B-Series hatch - will be available with the same petrol and diesel engines. An AMG version is predicted by Mr Stamoulis says it hasn’t been confirmed. The GLA will be the second compact SUV from Mercedes to come to the Australian market within 18 months. The next generation of the GLK - based on the C-Class platform - is also on its way. The GLA repeats the styling of the A250 and other models with a large twin-bar grille and swept-back headlights. But it follows the A250 detail with coupe-style frameless doors, recessed door handles and wrap-around tail lights. The headlights have laser technology that shine more light on the road than other lights and can also become projectors. Mercedes vice-president of sales and marketing, Joachim Schmidt, says “the Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment’’. “This is a sporty and more coupe-like evolution of this category of vehicle. “It combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. “It also makes clear the further potential of our compact vehicle architecture.’’ New Mercedes doubles as a drive-in theatre.

The drive-in theatre might be nearing its final act but the German car maker is trying to bring the good old days into modern household driveways. Mercedes has revealed its second concept car in a little more than six months that is capable of projecting movies onto a screen in front of the vehicle when stopped. At the Paris motor show last year the company revealed a tiny projector on the bonnet of its new Smart car, the baby of the Benz brand. Now the company that invented the automobile has released a new version of that technology ahead of the Shanghai motor show, which opens this weekend. The headlights of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, a pint-sized SUV due on sale in 2014, double as movie projectors. The company claims owners can project any video on their smartphone or tablet via the system. But don’t hold your breath waiting for the technology to arrive in showrooms anytime soon, even if the car will. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the technology is not yet confirmed for production. “It’s a concept car that shows what is possible,” he said. “Of course, if it became available, we’d love to have it.” Meanwhile the same system – which gives a new meaning to projector headlights – is also able to project directions (in the form of giant arrows) onto the road so drivers don’t need to glance at the navigation system in the cabin. “In this way, other road users, too, would be able to see where a driver is going,” the Mercedes statement said. This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling Find out more: Carsguide liftout