The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a car that does not confuse midrange with mediocrity. Its powerful design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brands. This is how chairman of the board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz cars, Dieter Zetsche, described the new Mercedes-Benz CLA which joined the Mercedes-Benz family in Nigeria recently.

The CLA is a four door coupe with breathtaking sporty proportions. Its powerful design, and equipment sets it ahead of its class, while its fuel economy is unrivalled in its class. Weststar Associates, authorised distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria is introducing the CLA 180 which is powered by 1.6 litre petrol engine with an output of 90kw (122hp) and 200 Nm of torque.

The CLA class accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of up to 210km/h. Its fuel consumption and C02 emission figure is 5.4 1/100 km which is among the best in its class.

The CLA engine features the ECO start/stop function as standard while the transmission is the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion. With optimum fuel consumption, low emission and world’s best CD value for a series production vehicle of 0.22, the CLA-class sets new benchmarks in efficiency in the medium size calegory.

Loaded with features that will excite both the driver and passenger, the CLA design is unique with the bonnet embedded in the front end with power domes and diamond radiator grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic ‘flare effect’ for the daytime driving lights and indicator. This light signet defines the car’s energetic appearance and shapes a new Mercedes face.

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provides the CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The athletic impression from the rear results from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings. The tail lights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end, the horizontal orientation of the lights emphasizing the rear’s powerful and aesthetic breadth.

A large panoramic sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look. The interior design also contributes to the very special feel of Class. This is due to the selection of high-quality and the available combinations of materials.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated silver-chrome finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel in combination with the flush-fitting silver frame of the extended COMAND Online multimedia system.