GLA is the smallest Mercedes crossover. The official debut of the model was held at the Frankfurt auto show in autumn 2013. The car is based on the MFA front-wheel-drive platform, which was previously used for CLA, A, and B classes. The crossover is 125 mm (4417 mm) longer than the A-class hatchback, 60 mm wider than it (1804 mm) and 60 mm higher ( 1494).
The wheelbase is the same for both models - 2699 mm. By the way, the entire increase in length went to the rear overhang. The standard version of the clearance is 157 mm. If you take the GLA 250 4MATIC package with Offroad package, the clearance will be 187 mm.
In addition, this version has a descent help system and an “off-road” ESP mode with a slightly damped gas pedal, a different gearshift algorithm, and a function for displaying the wheel position and tilting of the car on the multimedia monitor. Due to the low body model GLA has a highly efficient (in terms of aerodynamics) body, managed to set two records at once for the class of compact crossovers. First, the drag coefficient of the body is only 0.29 Cx. But secondly, the area of drag is only 0.66 m², and it is precisely this indicator that determines fuel consumption at speeds above 60 km / h. The car turned out attractive, stylish and dynamic.
The front part of the model has a large grille, decorated with a three-pointed star, refined headlamps and a compact bumper trimmed from the bottom. An energetic and serious type of crossover emphasizes the hood with the stamps, towering over the beautiful and neat wings. On the side, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has large wheel arches, a high window-sill line, huge doorways, a roofline that slopes smoothly to the stern and a stylish, compact stern. The short rear overhang looks harmonious due to the correct angle of inclination, a roof spoiler and a high diffuser with a pair of exhaust pipes integrated and edged with chrome.
It is hard not to notice the two bright and large ovals lying on the LEDs connected by a gleaming chrome strip. For the confident conquest of off-roading GLA completed the body with reliable perimeter protection, including the protection of the crankcase and the bottom, as well as thresholds and arches. The interior for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class developers borrowed from the A-class. The architecture of the multimedia and climate control unit, the center console and the front panel, the placement of ventilation vents and the front seats, which have anatomically shaped high backs, are all almost identical to the already familiar A-class interior.
But at the same time, the manufacturer made a number of minor cosmetic improvements. For example, among the finishing materials GLA new panels under the tree. Neither the front nor the rear leg space was increased, but it became a little more over his head. The front riders added 38 mm above the tops, and the rear - 19 mm. Inside the driver and passengers expect comfort from quality materials and comfort from a variety of technologies.
In the center of the instrument panel, visually split horizontally, there is a removable touch-screen infotainment system, a steering wheel with three metal-colored spokes accommodated a dozen control buttons, and two round gauges have a bright backlight. The trunk of the novelty is able to hold 421 liters of payload in the normal state and about 836 liters with the rear seats folded down. However, the basic amount of luggage can be increased to 481 liters, if you order a special package "Load Compartment". But in technical terms, the GLA has major differences from the A-class.
Take, for example, the body, the design of which has become much tougher than the hatchback. This was achieved by the developers due to the use of additional cross-beams on the bottom and more high-strength steels. Their share increased from 67 to 73%. The same story with the suspension.
Schematically, it is in GLA similar to the one put on the A-class. Racks McPherson front and plinth rear. However, the Germans ordered the spring crossover and shock absorbers, retuned in the direction of greater comfort, and increased the suspension moves. On the hatchback remind aluminum hubs made of winged metal for the sake of reducing the unsprung weight, as well as steering with an electromechanical amplifier with a gear ratio that varies depending on the speed.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has become the first German automaker's crossover equipped with a new generation 4MATIC system with a rear axle power take-off system integrated in the gearbox and a multi-plate electro-hydraulic clutch integrated into the rear axle that allows optimal distribution of torque between the axles in any ratio. The German automaker offers three turbocharged engines, one of which is diesel, having two options forcing. The base is considered a 4-cylinder in-line petrol unit with a displacement of 1.6 liters, capable of producing about 156 hp maximum power and about 245 Nm of torque. In the role of a top engine is a 2.0-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 211 hp. (349 Nm).
It provides the GLA 250 version with acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 235 kilometers per hour, with an average gas mileage of 7.1 liters per 100 km. The working volume of the diesel power plant is 2.1 liters, and its power, depending on the degree of forcing, is 136 hp. or 170 hp The maximum torque of the diesel engine, respectively, is 300 and 350 Nm. The engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-band 7G-DCT pre-selective robot equipped with two clutches. By the way, the "robot" polichil only wheel drive modifications.
In the basic configuration, the car has security systems: anti-lock, anti-skid, emergency braking, collision avoidance, driver fatigue control, electronic stabilization system, as well as front, side, knee and window airbags and an active hood. Optional parking assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, a driver’s exit warning system, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition and preventive safety systems are available. All-wheel drive versions have a help system during the descent and off-road driving program, which dulls the gas pedal and keeps the transmission from the lower gears.
From the comfort systems in the basic configuration, the car has a CENTRAL MEDIA display, an audio system with CD, folding rear seats (40:60) and a multifunctional steering wheel; options include lumbar support, power seats and a rear door, a panoramic roof, bi-xenon headlights, heated front seats and autonomous ventilation system, as well as navigation system and Bluetooth.
