Test drive Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI: For the long term

Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI proves that a top diesel engine can cope very well with a four-door coupe silhouette.

The international launch of the new CLA confirmed that a diesel engine can impress even on a coupe model with spectacular sporty features.

Mercedes-Benz CLA manages to mix both features in a rather interesting way and it eventually leads to winning results. In the editorial office, we debated with regards to the ideal engine for this work of art on wheels. Some of us placed their bets on the 250 petrol tubro engine, with four in-line and a displacement slightly under 2.000 cmc. The power unit is able to produce 211 HP. It delivers the resources either to the front axle, either to all four wheels if you decide on the 4MATIC option. Furthermore, it was the first engine tested and the conclusions were rather encouraging. Even after the launch event, the discussion will continue when it comes to the 2.2-liter diesel engine and its 170 HP.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI – Diesel, the winning solution 

I personally choose this solution after various discussions with many sales advisors from Mercedes-Benz, of course in the absence of a test drive with the CLA 45 AMG. Most likely it will be 40% more expensive than a configured CLA 220 CDI. Just as it suits a premium model. In order to enjoy a CLA 220 CDI you must add an additional 10.000 euro to your cash note. This amount of money covers the facilities you enjoy both when purchasing and reselling. The model that we tested is perfectly configured for any type of test drive. And I am bold enough to claim that I would personally buy it in the same configuration engine + features.

My only confusion concerns the AMG sport suspension. Yes, it is ideal for most roads. But slightly noisy when you encounter short bumps. Coming back to the engine, the 2.2-liter displacement, bi-turbo system and the 7-speed automatic transmission are powerful enough to support the tendencies the exterior displays. The hunger for diesel fuel produces a noise that the sound insulation perfectly dims. Meanwhile, the 0.22 drag coefficient still strikes at top speeds. Once you sit behind the steering wheel, the fluid body work is reminiscent of a model created for a young spirit. One who cares about the appearance. It is sophisticated and manages to convey it to the driver without being too opulent.

Behind the steering wheel of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI

 Another pleasant surprise comes from the way it involves me into the driving, through the sport adjust steering at high speeds and gentle while manoeuvring it into the urban environment.

The in-gear accelerations may not impressive in terms of pure numbers. But the way the power transfers to the front axle makes up for it. It is constant, it maintains the same pace and it can sharpen when the driver engages the sport or manual mode. The paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel highlight the new and enhanced gearbox software, in sequence mode the changes are very fast especially in the upper rev band. More peaceful individuals can choose the ECO mode. It interestingly manages the gearshift – sometimes even under 2.000 rpm. And it proved to be very permissive when I may have overpressed the accelerator pedal. Driving in this mode I was able to get an average fuel economy of only 5.8 liters/100km. The test drive model had less than 1.000 km onboard.

A faster rhythm increased this value with approximately 1.5 liters/100 km, but it’s still a good value under the given circumstances. Furthermore, the icing on top is the suspension, identical to the one in the A-Class, but with majore tweaks. It is friendlier on bumpy roads and equally as sharp when cornering with confidence. After more than 1,000 km, I can confirm, for the second time. This engine  perfectly suits the new compact class sensation from Mercedes-Benz.

Foto: Răzvan Loghin

Technical data Mercedes CLA 220 CDI