The D_TRB review: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d

Frugal compact SUV gets a minor facelift and a few new tricks

Lewis Kingston posted in Team DriveTribe

4y ago

18.7K

The Mercedes-Benz GLA, a small SUV with luxury pretensions, has always been one of the key components of the company's compact car line-up.

Sitting alongside the likes of the A-Class and B-Class, the GLA – which rivals the likes of the Audi Q3 – was designed to further help get more buyers, and more younger buyers, into Mercedes' dealerships.

The GLA first appeared in showrooms in 2014, however, and was starting to feel a little dated. So, in order to keep it in contention in the hotly contested compact SUV market, Mercedes has given it a light facelift.

The 2017 GLA line-up includes conventional diesel and petrol models, as well as the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

The 2017 GLA line-up includes conventional diesel and petrol models, as well as the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

Exterior upgrades include redesigned bumpers, optional LED headlamps and a new 'Canyon Beige' colour – shown here.

The interior's also been given a cosmetic overhaul, receiving new dash trims and inlays, chrome details and restyled seats.

A refreshed options list includes a 360-degree parking camera and hands-free boot operation, while the model list grows with the addition of a new all-wheel-drive petrol version – called the GLA220 4Matic.

Relatively small changes, then, but they do make the GLA feel more modern and upmarket. So, Mercedes' efforts haven't been in entirely in vain.

The 'tacked-on tablet' look of the main display still annoys, but at least the screen is crisp and clear.

The 'tacked-on tablet' look of the main display still annoys, but at least the screen is crisp and clear.

There is one catch, however, and that's the fact that diesel versions still use the company's older 2.1-litre engine.

It's not lacking on the performance front, propelling this GLA 220d from 0-62mph in a suitably swift 7.7sec, but it's far coarser and louder than the newer 2.0-litre diesel found in newer Mercedes models.

Compensation for the clatter comes in the form of a claimed average economy of 56.5mpg, granting a maximum range of almost 700 miles to a tank.

It's likely that you'll average in the mid-40s in the real world, but even that would allow you to travel well over 500 miles between refills.

Mercedes' GLA has a footprint similar to that of a regular hatchback, so it's easy to park and manouver.

Mercedes' GLA has a footprint similar to that of a regular hatchback, so it's easy to park and manouver.

There is more to the 'My first Mercedes SUV' than meets the eye, though, and enough of positive note to elevate it beyond being merely an unnecessary pumped-up, lifted derivative of an A-Class.

Firstly, its does have some off-road capability. You're not going to hunt down Discoverys in it, but its all-wheel-drive system and driver aids make it simple to tackle bumpy trails and steep ascents without fear of easily getting stuck. Even more so if you opt for the new 'off-road comfort suspension', which elevates the GLA by a further 30mm.

You can cover ground at a fair pace in the Mercedes, too; its steering is accurate and packs a decent heft, and its surprisingly stiff suspension keeps the body in check through the bends.

It's by no means an involving car to drive, but its neatly judged control weights, mid-range punch and adequate composure endow it with a modicum of charm. It doesn't scrabble out of junctions, either, with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system responding quickly enough to shunt torque to the wheels with traction.

The 2.1-litre diesel engine puts out 258lb ft from 1400rpm, making the GLA feel quite eager.

The 2.1-litre diesel engine puts out 258lb ft from 1400rpm, making the GLA feel quite eager.

That said, there are a few traits that spoil the show. There's more wind and road noise at speed than you might expect, which knocks the GLA's premium feel down a few pegs.

It also rides in quite an unforgiving fashion, with rough roads sending dull thuds and shudders through the cabin. At least the trim doesn't buzz and rattle, and the GLA feels solidly built.

There isn't a huge amount of space in the back, but the boot is of a decent size. The cabin's otherwise smart and comfortable, with a good range of seat and steering column adjustments.

A word of warning, though – our test car had an oft-useless tyre repair kit, rather than a physical spare. So, if you're thinking about wandering off the beaten track regularly, you might want to speak to your dealer about getting a spare wheel.

You don't otherwise have to tick many options boxes, with even the entry-level SE model featuring air-con, cruise control, keyless start, leather trim, a reversing camera, Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

So, if you like the look and concept of the GLA and want something with a three-pointed star on the nose, you won't be doing yourself a huge disservice by opting for one. Just try and make it one of the quieter, smoother petrol versions.

That said, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are sweeter to drive, more refined and more practical. Consequently, despite Mercedes' revisions, it's these that should take the top spots on your compact SUV shortlist.

The revamped GLA range is on sale now, with prices starting at £26,175.