Urban warrior

Joining Mercedes’ ever-expanding, diversifying and extensive model line-up since the 2014, the GLA-Class is the German brand’s compact crossover offering. Based on the same front  drive derived platform as the A-Class family hatchback, the GLA addresses seemingly contrary market demands for sporty, aggressive jacked-up SUV-like vehicles and more efficient and smaller urban-oriented vehicles.

A compromise between hatchback and crossover SUV, the GLA may well be a trend-driven vehicle, but in Jordan finds real purpose. In addition to a family hatchback’s agility, efficiency and compact practicality, the GLA’s raised ride height and all-wheel drive — as tested — however allow it to take road lumps, bumps and imperfections in its stride.

Rugged and rakish

Slightly longer, wider and taller than its A-Class sister, the GLA-Class dimensions and raised height emphasise its width, which a wide snouty and round-edged trapezoidal grille framed by tilted stretched headlights adds to this impression. An LED light strip extends to a side character line and concave surfacing to create a sense of urgency.

With black lower cladding extending up the lower bumpers for a sturdy SUV-style appearance, the GLA’s dual bonnet ridges and rakish profile, however, lend a sporty flavour. With low roofline, high waistline, muscular body surfacing and thick rakish pillars, the GLA’s parking assistance package with reverse camera and sensors is handy in tight spots. 

Though not a dedicated off-road SUV, the GLA’s raised ride height, wide track and relatively short wheelbase provide enhanced clearance and angles for light off-road driving and dirt roads. Meanwhile variable power distribution four-wheel drive ensures good traction on loose surfaces and features an off-road driving mode and Downhill Speed Regulation to prevent slippage.

Generous and efficient

Powered by a transversely mounted 2-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder engine, the GLA250 4Matic version driven proved muscular, versatile, punchy and efficient. Developing 208BHP at 5500rpm and 258lb/ft torque throughout 1200-4000rpm, the GLA250 accelerates through the 0-100km/h benchmark in 7.1 seconds and onto a 230km/h top speed, yet returns 5.5l/100km combined cycle fuel efficiency.

With little by way of low-end turbo lag, the GLA250 is responsive and with four-wheel drive traction digs in tight when launching from standstill. Refined and smooth, the GLA250’s early, broad and generous torque band allows for confident yet relaxed cruising and on-the-move and in-gear versatility for overtaking, hauling and inclines.

Muscular in mid-range, the GLA250’s wide torque sweet spot underwrites a confident punchy build-up to maximum power. Meanwhile, drive is delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox. Well compromised for smoothness and timeliness, the GLA’s gear box features relaxed and efficient or sporty and more alert settings, and a steering-mounted paddle shift actuated manual mode.

Tidy and taut

Compact and with wide track and short wheelbase, the GLA250’s agility and handling are closer to those the hatchback it’s based on rather than a less wieldy larger crossover SUV. With quick and direct but refined steering, it tucks tidily into corners, with a slight natural instinct for under-steer only apparent if pushed too hard into too narrow a corner.

A natural through winding and sprawling country lanes, the driven GLA250 featured an optional “dynamic handling package” with 15mm lower ride height, which provided taut body control through switchbacks. Meanwhile, its four-wheel drive diverts reallocates more power rearwards when required for improved traction and grip, and so the GLA250 both pulls and when needed pushes out of corners.

Fitted with optionally larger 235/50R18 tyres, the GLA250 hard, while run-flat design frees up luggage space and are convenient for continued temporary mobility when deflated. Smooth but slightly on the firm side owing to sportier stiff sidewall run-flat tyres and lowered suspension, the GLA250 handles well but standard 215/60R17 tyres and suspension would provide more comfort.

Refined and confident

Stable and confident at speed, the GLA250 feels settled and buttoned down on rebound and is composed and unruffled — if slightly but unpunishingly firm — over particularly harsh, pocked and cracked highway sections. Refined inside and with a robust feel, the GLA is well insulated for noise and vibrations. Seats and steering adjustability provide a good driving position and front visibility. 

Fun and quick, the GLA’s cabin reflects its sporty driving characteristics with round crosshair vents. With user-friendly layouts, big dials and the prominent use of soft textures, the GLA has a quality feel, but warmer colours would complement its airy panoramic roof to lend a more inviting ambiance than the driven model’s grey upholstery. 

Spacious in front, the GLA’s column gear lever frees up console space. Rear seats better accommodated large and tall occupants than expected, but a rear centre armrest would have been welcome. Well-equipped, the driven GLA250 featured dual-zone climate control, CD, USB and Bluetooth enabled infotainment system, collision prevention and blindspot assists, Isofix childseat latches and numerous other convenience and safety features.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, turbocharged transverse 4 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 83 x 92mm

Compression ratio: 9.8:1

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection,

Gearbox: 7-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Top gear / final drive ratios: 0.84:1 / 4.6:1

0-100km/h: 7.1 seconds

Top speed: 230km/h

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 208 (211) [155] @5500rpm

Specific power: 104.5BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 138.2BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 258 (350) @1200-4000rpm

Specific torque: 175.79Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 232.55Nm/tonne

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.5 litres/100km

CO2 emissions, combined: 151-154g/km

Fuel capacity: 56 litres

Length: 4417mm

Width: 1804mm

Height: 1494mm

Wheelbase: 2699mm

Track, F/R: 1569/1560mm

Overhang, F/R: 906/812mm

Aerodynamic drag co-efficient: 0.32

Kerb weight: 1505kg

Headroom, F/R: 1015/971mm

Shoulder room, F/R: 1391/1350mm

Luggage volume, min/max: 421/1235 litres

Steering: Variable electric-assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle: 11.84 metres

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson strut/multi-link

Brakes: Ventilated discs

Tires: 235/60R18

Price, on-the-road, no insurance, as tested: JD57,000*

*Price range: JD57,000-63,000