German luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz that launched the performance oriented CLA 45 AMG will launch the regular variants of the CLA Class in the first quarter of 2015. The CLA sedan will directly rival the Audi A3 sedan, which has received an overwhelming response from car buyers in India. The company has already imported the CLA for homologation and testing purpose in India.
Based on the A-Class hatchback, the CLA features an aggressive bumper, long bonnet with aerodynamic creases and a single slat chrome grille. As an option, the vehicle sports Bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running lamps. The sloping roofline gives a coupe like profile to sedan, while the rear end shares its design cues with the CLS.
The Mercedes CLA interiors largely resemble to the A-Class hatchback, which is designed to target young enthusiasts. It features an aircraft-inspired round air con vents which is surrounded by chrome inserts, instrument cluster and three spoke multi-functional steering wheel. It will be offered in both petrol and diesel fuel options.
Now for the engines, Mercedes-Benz has an option to use either the A-Class' engines or the ones that are offered with the GLA-Class. The gearbox, however, will be the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that will transmit power to the front-wheels of the car.
Though there is no clarity on the pricing, we expect the entry-level sedan to be priced around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
