Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle, SUV, customers have been given a wider option of choice in Nigeria as the German company’s representatives in the country, Weststar Associates, adds yet another models to its lineup in this segment. The new addition to the Mercedes-Benz family, the GLA, is a compact sport utility vehicle with fascinating design,  and array of luxury features to benchmark its class.

Available in two variants, GLA 180 with 1.6 litre four cylinder engine which delivers 80 kw of power and 260 Nm of torque as well as the GLA 45 AMG with a top speed of 250km/h, which can accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 4.8 seconds the Mercedes-Benz GLA is equipped with a 7G-DCT which is very fuel efficient due to Mercedes-Benz Blue Efficient technology.

The GLA is also fitted standard with ECO start/stop function which temporarily shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, making it one of the most economical cars in its class in terms of fuel consumption.

A potential class leader, the new GLA is optionally available with new generation 4MATIC All wheel drive, featuring fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reverse and agility, combined with driving safety and energy efficiency. The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle which is integrated into the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle gear unit with integrated, hydraulically actuated multi-disc clutch.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the model with 4MATIC with downhill speed Regulation (DSR) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console and assisted the driver on descending downhill stretches by maintaining a slow manually selected vehicle speed with the physical limit when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems and by specific braking intervention.

The GLA is a quiet car in every sense and yet powerful. A number of measures have also been taken to reduce wind noise in the GLA. These include a multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate.

Rigidwindow

Particularly rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations. External noise has also been minimised by the low A-pillar step mentioned above and by exterior mirrors connected to the body by a stem. The interior has a particularly high feel of quality that is achieved by the contours, and the choice and combinations of high-grade materials.

The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matt and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of innovative membrane, aluminium, modern touch to the interior. The Matt satin finish of the wood trim further underscores the modern character and makes the surfaces particularly pleasant to the touch.

 

Source: Vanguard Newspaper