mercedes-amg-cla-45-1

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz CLA range has been launched for the Malaysian market, with updates applied across three variants: the CLA 200 priced at RM236,888, the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic priced at RM278,888, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic priced at RM408,888.

For the revised CLA range, both the CLA 200 and CLA 250 now wear the AMG Line exterior – previously, only the CLA 250 had the sportier package. Both models get a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, and around the back, the exhaust tailpipes are now integrated flush into the rear bumper, for a flatter and wider appearance. The CLA 250 also adds on an AMG Night Package to the equation.

The CLA 200 gets 18-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels (similar to those fitted on the A200 AMG Line), matched to “lowered comfort suspension.” The CLA 250, meanwhile, has a set of 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke wheels as seen on the red car below, plus stiffer sport suspension.

Under the hood, powertrain stats are carried over from before, save for the CLA 45 AMG range-topper. The CLA 200 runs a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, producing 156 hp at 5,300 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 to 4,000 rpm. The century sprint is dispatched in 8.2 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 230 km/h.

For the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic, a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine makes 211 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm, sent to all four wheels. This propels the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. As with the CLA 200, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends output to the driven wheels.

All facelifted CLA models get new LED High Performance headlamps, which produce a colour temperature closer to daylight than that achieved using xenon lamps – better relief to the driver’s eyes at night. Direction indicators, daytime running lights and position lights use multifunction fibre-optic cables, while the LED tail lights incorporate automatic intensity control to reduce dazzle for drivers following behind – brightness of the brake lights and indicators are regulated in three stages.

Inside, both the CLA 200 and the CLA 250 get a slimmer, eight-inch display with glass cover for the Audio 20 CD infotainment system, while revised instrument dials are now pointed out by red needles for better legibility. Sports seats trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre are standard as well. The CLA 200 gets light aluminium trim with longitudinal grain inside, while the CLA 250 gets aluminium trim with dark honeycomb grain.

The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic deploys a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine which churns out 381 hp at 6,000 rpm and 475 Nm of torque from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm (an extra 21 hp and 25 Nm compared to before), with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the pre-facelift version. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

As the crown of the CLA range, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic wears the latest AMG front bumper treatment and a new diffuser insert with four vertical fins. As part of the AMG Aerodynamics package, the CLA 45 4Matic adds a larger front splitter and a black AMG bootlid spoiler. Large 19-inch AMG wheels are standard – for now you can choose between the multi-spoke items you see here, or the cross-spoke set seen on the earlier spyshots.

Inside the CLA 45, Artico man-made leather features throughout the cabin (covering the dash as well), with red contrast trim and stitching for its upholstery. As before, the gear selector in the full AMG version is relocated to the centre console, with the new Dynamic Select knob residing just aft of the gear selector. Surprisingly, the AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers – available on the facelifted AMG A 45 – has been given a miss here.

Extras on the AMG CLA 45 include Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, as well as genuine carbon-fibre dash trim and the lovely AMG Performance exhaust system. Inside, the AMG model also adds on a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents, a panoramic sunroof, COMAND Online system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus a Harman Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound System.

As for safety, the whole range gets seven airbags as standard, including a Kneebag for the driver. Attention Assist is fitted on all models too, as are PRE-SAFE and Active Brake Assist systems. So folks, what do you think of the updated Mercedes-Benz CLA range in Malaysia?

GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic









GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport 4Matic