Top-rated turbodiesel offers 50 mpg and significantly improved road manners
In line with the industry trend, it is also shorter than the car it is replacing, although the width and height have increased, giving the second-generation GLA even more crossover proportions and a larger area than the BMW X2 or Audi Q2.
Being impressed with the best of its kind GLA 250 gasoline, we got the 220d model, which is the most powerful of the two diesel models confirmed to date. It uses the 2.0-liter turbocharged OM654 engine found in many Mercedes cars, and its power is 188 hp. and 295 lb-ft is definitely not powerless by the class standard. It develops at 40 hp. and 56 lb-ft more than the same engine in the adjusted GLA 200d. However, it is not without competition: the more powerful models of the Audi Q2 2.0 TDI have the same power and torque levels - almost the same.
This engine is paired with a new built-in eight-speed automatic transmission. To this, the lineup adds the newly developed 4Matic all-wheel-drive system with electromechanical (instead of hydraulic) operation, as well as with a more pronounced distribution of the drive on each axis. Up to 80% of the torque can be delivered to the front, and up to 70% - back. There is also a special off-road mode where the transmission is 50:50.
However, those who are more likely to find themselves in urban areas are likely to be better served by one of the three gasoline and two diesel models in the initial lineup, which have exclusively front-wheel drive. If this is not enough, there is also a hybrid and fully electric option.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220D 2020
What is it?
this is the car that Mercedes-Benz GLA should have been all the time. The first-generation model, for budget reasons, was largely based on the Class A hatch - and it showed. This new one, however, was given greater technical freedom, and this is a much more convincing effort.In line with the industry trend, it is also shorter than the car it is replacing, although the width and height have increased, giving the second-generation GLA even more crossover proportions and a larger area than the BMW X2 or Audi Q2.
Being impressed with the best of its kind GLA 250 gasoline, we got the 220d model, which is the most powerful of the two diesel models confirmed to date. It uses the 2.0-liter turbocharged OM654 engine found in many Mercedes cars, and its power is 188 hp. and 295 lb-ft is definitely not powerless by the class standard. It develops at 40 hp. and 56 lb-ft more than the same engine in the adjusted GLA 200d. However, it is not without competition: the more powerful models of the Audi Q2 2.0 TDI have the same power and torque levels - almost the same.
This engine is paired with a new built-in eight-speed automatic transmission. To this, the lineup adds the newly developed 4Matic all-wheel-drive system with electromechanical (instead of hydraulic) operation, as well as with a more pronounced distribution of the drive on each axis. Up to 80% of the torque can be delivered to the front, and up to 70% - back. There is also a special off-road mode where the transmission is 50:50.
What does it look like?
On the go, the GLA220d 4Matic has great flexibility and energy with torque, both in the city and on the open road. This is not particularly attractive, nor is it completely free of diesel chatter, but the latest incarnation of the Mercedes four-cylinder diesel engine offers great affordable work that, with a wide-ratio from the new gearbox, sees that it provides strong autonomous acceleration and excellent cruising qualities.
The controls are also quite sophisticated, with a light but the accurate feel of the electromechanical steering and good body control with limited roll angles for this type of car. There is also a lot of power and traction. This experience is hardly appropriate with feedback, but there is general cohesion and a balanced sequence that make the GLA 220d easy and carefree to operate.
The ride is also much better solved than with the original. The suspension has good cushioning, which is noticeable on all models of compact Mercedes cars these days. Nevertheless, it absorbs unpleasant intrusions well in combination with the optional adaptive damping control and 60-section tires mounted on our test car. Road noise is also well insulated from the passenger compartment. In this regard, the GLA is a quieter and more sophisticated car than before.
The road character can be further modified using the dynamic selection function, which now offers a wider range of qualities. There is more comfort at one end of the scale and more flexibility at the other than the old GLA.
Should I buy one?
Ultimately, this is an attractive offer for owners with a level of practicality above the level of a Class A hatchback. The GLA 220d 4Matic is suitable for customers who intend to drive kilometers and are looking for extra safety when driving with an all-wheel drive.However, those who are more likely to find themselves in urban areas are likely to be better served by one of the three gasoline and two diesel models in the initial lineup, which have exclusively front-wheel drive. If this is not enough, there is also a hybrid and fully electric option.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220D 4Matic specification
Where is Stuttgart Price £ 38,165 On sale now Engine 4-cylinder in-line, 1950 cc, turbocharged, diesel Power 188 hp at 3,800 rpm Torque 295 lb-ft at 1,600-2,600 rpm Gearbox 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox Curb weight 1,540 kg Maximum speed 136 mph 0-62 mph 7.3 s Fuel economy 49.6 mpg CO2 149g / km. Competitors Audi Q2, BMW X2, Lexus UX
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