The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 isn’t exactly a favourite in the office – the svelte looks of the junior CLS hides a high price, low specs, a sub-par interior, a firm ride and a recalcitrant dual-clutch transmission. Now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) looks to fix at least some of the problems with the arrival of the 2015 model year update, which comes with a host of cabin-related changes first seen on the CLA Shooting Brake.
Exterior aesthetics were the car’s star draw, and this update changes none of that. You still get the Night Package (black wing mirrors, high-gloss waistline trim strip, two-tone 18-inch wheels) on top of the Urban equipment line (dual exhaust exits, chrome rear diffuser cutout), along with stylish bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Instead, the upgrades are all focused on the inside of the car. The biggest change is the new C-Class-style three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, but you’ll also notice the full-width AMG carbon fibre trim panel that takes over from the rather dour silver wave-look trim of old.
The laughably tiny digital picture frame-style central display is now history as well, finally replaced by a sizeable eight-inch screen; it’s still a modest Audio 20 CD system, though, so there’s still no navigation, not even as an option. Finally, the audio fascia buttons have been switched to flatter, cleaner units, in the style of the facelifted B-Class.
Elsewhere, the specs remain the same – there’s still manual air-conditioning and no Keyless-Go, but you do get Light and Sight ambient lighting, powered front sports seats with memory, Artico faux leather upholstery, a reverse camera, cruise control, paddle shifters and sports suspension. Safety-wise, there’s Attention Assist, Active Park Assist, Pre-Safe and Collision Prevention Assist with Brake Assist.
It’s the same story under the bonnet as well – the carry-over 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine sends 154 hp and 250 Nm to the 7G-DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch transmission). The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 8.5 seconds, and the CLA 200 runs out of puff at 230 km/h.
As for the price, well, it’s the same as before – RM233,888 on-the-road without insurance but inclusive of GST and a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Nice car, but the C-Class sedan design looks better.
this car should be priced at exactly rm201,000.this car spec is too laughable to be in the 240k range.
Well at least the screen is larger for old people to read…but then again there’s no navigation or even mirrorlink for you to display the maps.
Oh well better luck next time MBM, maybe a slight reduction in price for the FL huh?
Don’t even mention the pathetic rubbish 316i, but even none of the 320i sport and luxury lines or even the more expensive 320d M-Sport comes with navigation either.
Only the 328i ranges and the 320i Sport edition comes with navi.
This car should be priced circa 215k
2016-plus more feature with same price
2017-plus even more feature with lowered price
2018-slightly more feature with same price
2019-facelifted with no price reduction
2020-PR win general election and this car is 120k only hahaha
Now…do I get to upgrade to this screen for my A250?
Kudos…..finally MBM has started to show some wisdom by upping their car specs to something more decent before even the mid life cycle.
Hopefully they will have more foresight to also bundle their W205 C250 with a proper package and give the command online and intelligent lights which were all offered on the outgoing W204 models.
While you are add it MBM why not throw in the power boot as well. It won’t really cost you much!
Common MBM there are a lot of customers who don’t mind paying the premium and getting a brand-new original Merc but for goodness sake don’t skim and be stingy on giving decent options!