Mercedes-Benz gets the GLA, its little SUV, to India. It's not big, but keeps you in charge, both on and off the road.
Text: www.topgear.com/india By Abhinav Mishra
The crossover segment has seen a fair bit of action in the last three to four years, and now, Mercedes has joined the party — a bit late, admittedly — with the GLA. What works in the GLA's favour is its looks.
Yes, it bears a faint resemblance to the A-Class, which it is based on, but its body panels are different from the A, and, like the hatchback, it's dressed to kill, with those brushed metal roof rails and plastic cladding around the bumpers. The fit and finish of the GLA's cabin is impressive.
There is a slight increase in width as well, and that means you have more shoulder room, especially in the back seat. The wheelbase, though, remains the same as the A-Class, and taller passengers will have an issue with legroom, especially at the back.
Rear visibility is a bit of an issue with the GLA. While the larger wing mirrors and reverse parking camera do their bit, the thick C-pillar and tiny screen impact rear visibility. The lack of parking sensors doesn't make things any easier.
Power comes from a 1,991cc petrol motor that makes 181bhp and 300Nm of torque. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission transfers all that power to the front wheels. What we also like about the GLA is the way it behaves. It feels like a thoroughbred Mercedes. It rides like a tank, unlike its other Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture-based siblings.
The suspension gobbles up most surface undulations, and the increased suspension travel almost makes it a soft-roader. But, if you truly want to have fun with this car, just show it a winding road.
No, it obviously doesn't stick to tarmac like an F1 car, but it does enjoy being thrown around like a rally car. Mercedes might have taken its own sweet time to get into the mini-crossover segment, but it's brought along a desirable product.
Mercedes GLA 200
Engine: In-line 4cyl
Torque: 300Nm
Top speed: 215kph
Power: 181bhp
Price: Rs 38 lakh (on-road, Mumbai, est.)
Verdict: The GLA's not a proper SUV, but it can handle the worst of urban India's roads with aplomb.
