The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) represents a huge evolution from the previous generation. Unsurprisingly, it is a statement that we can also extend to the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake — C118 generation — with which, moreover, it shares all the components.
The quality of materials has improved — we even have at our disposal a steering wheel similar to the one found in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — the room rates have also improved and the engines are more efficient.
all for style
But the biggest highlight of this Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the style. Despite sharing all mechanical components (engines, platform, suspensions, etc) with the Class A, the CLA Shooting Brake, like the CLA Coupé, does not share a single panel with the smaller model of the German brand.
Wherever it goes, this Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d Shooting Brake caught the eye.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake bets everything on style. Mainly in the rear section, where despite the van format (roof line more horizontal than on the CLA Coupé), the arched line of the glazed area like… coupé, gives it that… shooting brake look. If you don't know what a shooting brake is, click here.
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But has the bet on style passed too high a bill on functionality and space on board?
Competent family member?
Compared to the previous generation, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is more spacious — especially in the rear. Growth that, however, was not enough to talk about a spacious interior. It's mostly a sufficient interior as far as habitability is concerned — Kia Proceed does much better in this regard.
As for the luggage capacity, we have a nice 505 l of luggage capacity (10 l more than in the previous generation), and a wider opening. Putting things in perspective, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake has 45 liters more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Back to the Kia Proceed, we have a superior 594 liters of trunk capacity.
But directly answering the question posed in the subtitle: yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is a competent enough familiar.
on the road
This Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d Shooting Brake that you can see in the pictures was my company for several days. With this new 190 hp diesel engine with 400 Nm of maximum torque — which I've praised before — we're in great company.
The 8G-DCT eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox fulfills its role very well on the road, allowing fuel consumption below 6 l/100 km at very moderate speeds and below 7 l/100 km when concerns about the economy do not preside over our priorities.
She is always quick and very smart in choosing the ideal relationship. In cities — especially in parking maneuvers — the clutch behavior could be less abrupt.
The suspension fulfills its role well in terms of dynamics, but on the most degraded surfaces we feel this Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d Shooting Brake sometimes dry in shape with digests the imperfections of the asphalt. Do you know the expression “sun on the threshing floor and rain on the nabal”? Then. We cannot have both.