The GLA 200 is Mercedes’ version of a crossover. When crossovers first entered the market they were traditionally associated with budget-friendly options giving drivers a bit of extra height and rugged stance. Now, however, it is a very competitive market including high-end crossovers – one of which is the GLA 200.
The latest Mercedes GLA 200 includes minor updates to the exterior design, incorporation of mild hybrid 48V technology and an upgrade to some of the other tech. It is intended to offer consumers more value for money – but be warned, as can be expected, it still has a price tag around the R1 million mark.
The drive
The best part about a Mercedes-Benz is that even if you buying what is positioned as a more budget-friendly vehicle, you know its quality and the performance of the drive will not disappoint.
It has a very responsive and punchy drive which is assisted by the hybrid technology. The GLA 200 has a very energetic pull off and doesn’t struggle in any driving scenario whether that be in stop-start traffic, open roads, highways, uphill driving or overtaking on single carriageways.
The GLA 200 has a 4-cylinder engine giving drivers 120 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. Petrol engines across the range now have mild hybrid technology. This adds a 48V onboard power supply giving an extra 10 kW of power to the vehicle which is particularly evident on pull-off. Additionally, it allows for recouping of battery power while braking, all of which is intended to have a significant impact on fuel consumption.
This is paired with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission as standard across the range. This is an upgrade to the previous 7-speed DCT. There are also paddle shifts, but gear changes are so refined that there would not be many instances where using their use would be necessary in normal day-to-day driving.
As mentioned, the hybrid technology is intended to reduce fuel consumption. The claimed fuel consumption is between 6.6 and 7.3L/100km. During a mixture of highway and city driving, our consumption was around 8L/100km which is not bad for the size of the vehicle and it energetic performance. Since there is hybrid technology, however, I would have expected both the claimed and achieved figures to be somewhat lower.
The design
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is essentially a facelift with additions focusing on style and technology. This is evident in the new front and rear design. The new grille with vertical louvres and horizontal fins are intended to create a powerful character.
Additionally, power domes on the bonnet further add to the self-confident appearance of the GLA 200, according to Mercedes. The redesigned front bumper features visual underride protection to enhance the GLA’s off-road capability. I would not, however, experiment more than with dust or gravel roads and avoid more challenging off-road scenarios.
Another change from Mercedes is modernisation of the light signature of the front and rear LED headlights. Other additions include a new ‘spectral blue’ colour, four different wheel designs with 18-inch, 5 twin spoke alloy wheels in gloss black as standard. The 19 to 20-inch wheels are available as extras.
Standard equipment is also upgraded in the GLA. A leather steering wheel, LED front headlights, high beam assist, a rear-view camera and the USB package is now all standard. If you would prefer to err away from a leather steering wheel, an imitation option is available leather instead.
Stepping inside
One of the most significant upgrades to the interior is the infotainment screen. It features a 7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information screen as standard. The screens are intended to create a holistic high-tech experience and emphasise the open plan design in Mercedes vehicles.
The GLA also has the latest version of MBUX. With this, as you change your driving mode between classic, sporty and discreet, the ambient lighting and other features within the vehicle also change. There is also navigation assistance and service modes to further individualise your Mercedes to your specifications.
There is also the option to select from 10 different ambient lighting colours. Mercedes excels at creating an interior that is the epitome of modernity and the ambient lighting is just one of the features helping achieve this.
Another addition to the new GLA is wireless connection to apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As I’ve mentioned many times before wireless connection that happens seamlessly cannot be underestimated. Most of the time I just wanna jump in my car and go I don’t wanna have to fiddle and try and either reconnect Bluetooth or reconnect Android Auto it must just work and the SCD does that.
Another feature that Mercedes added to the GLA 200 is something which may seem simple but is actually very useful. This is the illumination of the USB ports. One only truly understands the value of this when the ports are not illuminated and you are driving at night and need to quickly plug your cord in but it is completely dark.
As we only test the cars for about a week, I seldom download the apps to avoid having too many apps on my phone. With the Mercedes app, however, their intelligent voice assistance is improved and given additional capabilities to better respond to your specific voice.
It also takes notes of commonly travelled routes or settings and personalises functions to improve your journey. If there’s traffic on your normal route, it can suggest alternatives. Feelings toward this level of AI is varied, but practicality-wise this could be quite useful feature.
Now that I have become accustomed to the transmission lever where the indicator is on many other South African cars, I can also admit that it is actually intuitively placed and simplifies transmission changes.
Mercedes has the skilful ability to make the GLA seem considerably larger vehicle from the exterior than what it actually is. The rear could be slightly bigger as could the boot. For daily travel whether to work or running around after the kids, it is still more than adequate.
Ultimately, it really is difficult to find fault with the GLA 200. The improvements address some previous needs. Thus, if you wonder if it’s worth it or not, there’s no way one can say it is not. The biggest deterrent could be the very competitive crossover market. There are so many options, some with just as much tech albeit without the stamp of German engineering. Ultimately, it’s not a case of which vehicle is better with a Mercedes but more a case of knowing that when you purchase a Mercedes you purchase luxury, performance and modernity.
The GLA 200 will remain a favourite among loyalists irrespective of vehicles with competing tech and price. The vehicle itself, however, does no wrong.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Power: 120 kW
Torque: 270 Nm
Fuel consumption(claimed): 6.6 to 7.3l/100km
Price: from R914 950
Warranty and service plan: 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan
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