New Mercedes-Benz GLA arrives in Mzansi

The refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA line-up has touched down in South Africa.

The German carmaker's popular compact SUV sports a revised front end, home to a new radiator grille with vertical louvres and a more defined horizontal fin. This standout feature is complemented by a new bonnet creased with a pair of subtle 'power domes' and a redesigned front bumper fitted with underride protection. The LED high performance headlamps and LED tail light clusters both benefit from updated light signatures. 

In the basic trim, the new GLA rolls on 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces. Optional 19- to 20-inch wheels are also available. Customers have access to a striking new exterior paint option known as 'Spectral Blue'.

Inside the cabin the GLA comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a seven-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The latter can be upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch unit. The carmaker's latest-generation MBUX software offers newly designed display styles including Classic, Sporty and Discreet. On top of this customers can also look forward to wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, 10-hue ambient lighting, highbeam assist, reverse camera and USB package. The multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather with Artico vegan leather available as an option. 

The GLA 200 is fitted with a 120kW/270Nm 1.3l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine boosted by a sophisticated 48-volt mild hybrid system that briefly adds an additional 10kW to the mix when needed. The GLA 200d benefits from the same system and is equipped with a 2.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 110kW and 320Nm. Both powertrains are meshed to Mercedes-Benz's eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. 

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is priced at R914,950 with the GLA 200d coming in at R950,850. Pricing includes a five-year/100,000km warranty and maintenance plan.