Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz range has a lot of saloons to choose from and the S-Class is the pinnacle of the lineup. Let's put it this way, if you can't afford an S-Class, buy a CLS-Class. If you can't afford a CLS, buy an E-Class. And if you can't afford an E-Class, buy a C-Class. Simple as that but there is a problem. What if you want a Mercedes-Benz saloon car but can't afford on a C-Class? Of course, you're not going to prompt for an A-Class because it's a hatchback and it's a different story. That's simply a gap that's never been filled until now...

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Now, here's a rule-breaker in the range. It's called the CLA-Class and it's a brand new model from Mercedes-Benz for those who can't afford a C-Clas and it's very crucial for those kind of people because prices start at, you guessed it, 28,977 Euros, which makes it the most affordable four-door saloon car Mercedes-Benz has ever made. So, well done Mercedes-Benz, but actually...nope.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class interior

You see, this is a class of its own for this car. This ushered a revolution where luxury car brands decided to make entry-level models that are appropriate to younger buyers. One such irrelevant example was Aston Martin. Sure, they made lots of luxury grand tourers such as the DB9 and the Vanquish but they changed course by developing the Cygnet, which is a compact car based on the Toyota iQ. Audi plans to develop a sedan version of the A3 to counter this kind of bellicose rhetoric done by Mercedes-Benz. However, the CLA-Class maybe a "bellicose rhetoric" for some econmic reasons but this urban egoist sure knows how to grow up just like the C-Class, the E-Class, the CLS, and the S-Class saloons.

First of all, the CLA carved its inspiration from the Concept Style Coupé concept at 2012 Paris Auto Show. As you can see, despite its entry-level capability, it's still very sexy to look at. It's like a 5-year-old girl who has the seduction of a 25-year-old supermodel. Well, that doesn't sound right because it's a bit racy if I'm honest. What I mean is, despite the compact look, it looks rather stylish indeed. Plus, it's aerodynamic as well because the CLA is the most aerodynamic car ever sold with the drag coefficient of 0.23.

As for the choice of engines, let's take a look. It had a 1.6L petrol engines with three configurations, a 2.0L turbo engine, and a 2.1L diesel engine as of now. They can be mated with either a 6-speed manual, which is lovely if you want to make things a bit more interesting, or a 7G-DCT for those whose ideas are about to get rhetorical on your way to the party. As I see it, they're working on an AMG version very very soon and this would be a very interesting choice for those who are on some serious bellicose rhetorics. In the meantime, I would go for the one with the 2.0L turbo engine on it, which produces 211PS of power. Not bad for a car who begs for high performance, though...

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class may not quite having the talents of other saloons from Mercedes-Benz but in anycase, it's a well-civilized saloon car that is usable on the city streets and on the open roads as well. It feels like you're spending the whole day listening to the house music served from King Street Sounds and when you're on your way to Aruba Bar & Restaurant before you reach the night, it's just as what you can say "absolutely fabulous" indeed. What I love about this car though that driving the CLA is like having the same moment as taking a break at a nightclub somewhere at Ortigas and listen to house music.

As a car made for everyday use, it kinda feels like weekend's over. If you're driving this car to work, most people will notice that you're driving a car suitable for nightclub visits and other stuff. It's not kinda right if you're an ordinary office employee who spends most of his time typing at the computer or making phone calls. Despite that, the CLA is just one way of telling your friends that you had a Mercedes-Benz. It's like showing off a Hermes bag or a Prada bag to anyone just for brags. It maybe an entry-level car but this is a sure fire thing that you owned a luxury car for a reasonable price. Who can't blame them? Now if you don't mind, I'm off for some nightclub chow downs...Ciao!

Photo: Mercedes-Benz