Mercedes will launch the refreshed CLA in India tomorrow. The car gets cosmetic and interior upgrades as a part of its mid-life makeover.
Though the iconic appearance of the CLA is retained, there are some cosmetic changes to add to the appeal. The fascia now sports a revised grille, smoked headlamp cluster with full LED lamps and a reworked bumper with larger air intakes. The silhouette remains the same, but the new design for the alloys adds a bit of flair. At the back, the car sports new tail lights and the bumpers are restyled.
Coming to the changes to the interior of the 2017 CLA, a new eight-inch infotainment system finds a prominent place in the cabin. It’s the latest feature and supports Apple CarPlay. Then there is a new ambient lighting system, the instrument cluster is new and the switch gear has been revised. Mercedes has also equipped the new CLA with Active Brake Assist, which enables the car to stop automatically in case of a potential collision scenario.
The facelifted CLA's engine options will remain the same as the existing model. For the petrol version there is a 1,991cc unit rated at 180bhp and 300Nm of torque. On the other hand, the oil-burner gets a 2,143cc turbocharged mill that churns out 130bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. A seven-speed automatic gearbox does the transmission duties on both these variants.
This CLA facelift will be the 12th new car launch in India this year. The current model is assembled at Mercedes-Benz's Chakan plant in Maharashtra and the revised car will also be made at this same facility. The 2017 CLA will compete with the Audi A3, Toyota Camry and the Skoda Superb in the Indian market when launched.
