The Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV reached our shores in the updated avatar in January 2024, when we drove the 220d 4MATIC variant. The petrol, however, eluded us until now. There are significant differences between the two, and we are going to see which one is the better buy.
The design has not changed much, except for the lights. This generation also received wireless smartphone connectivity, which is now commonplace, even in more affordable cars. One of the cool features on the GLA is the park assist system, which utilises the cameras from the 360° view system to scan for available parking spots, and then guides the car in where the ECU supplies the steering input and the driver, the throttle and brake.
Soaking of throttle and brakes, the GLA 200 has the familiar 1.3-litre, in-line, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol, producing 163PS and 250Nm. This takes the petrol GLA to 100kmph from a standstill in 8.7 seconds (claimed). However, the diesel model comes with 190PS and 400Nm, resulting in a claimed 0-100kmph time of 7.5 seconds, partly thanks to the 4MATIC AWD system. The 1.3-litre is one of the more refined engines out there, and it was quite difficult to make out whether it was running or not, unless I glanced at the tachometer.
The start-stop system is not very intrusive, but the fuel economy is not what one would expect from a 1.3, which I feel is the effect of the 1,570kg kerb weight, necessitating a need to keep the turbo spooled to progress at a moderate pace.
On the move, the GLA behaves predictably, though like other models based on this platform, it lacks sound insulation that’s usually expected with cars bearing the three-pointed star. The sporty suspension, coupled with 18-inch Pirellis, endows the GLA with excellent handling characteristics, and high-speed stability is top-notch — a hallmark of cars hailing from Stuttgart. The ride is quite stiff, though, a trade-off for the sharp handling. While the acceleration is brisk, the braking is nothing short of exemplary.
So, is the GLA 200 worth considering? In isolation, definitely. It is the perfect entry point to the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, priced at ₹49.72 lakh ex-showroom. It comes with a compact footprint to deal with congested cities, while offering enough punch to make it fun, and enough ground clearance for the occasional excursion into unpaved roads. However, in the presence of the GLA 220d 4MATIC, which costs just ₹1.14 lakh more, with a price of ₹50.86 lakh ex-showroom. The diesel has the same level of refinement but significantly better performance as well as off-roadability, in case someone ever needs it. Thus, if one is in the market for the GLA, the diesel remains the better buy by a mile.
Words: Sayantan De
Photography: Saidatta Naik
