Technical specifications
CLA 250 Sport 4Matic Shooting Brake
engines
In terms of engines, you currently have a choice of 4 diesel engines. The entry-level car is the CLA 180 d from 30,855 euros, followed by a CLA 200 CDI and a CLA 220 CDI. The top version is the CLA 220 CDI with four-wheel drive (4Matic) from 40,777 euros.
For a petrol version you can choose from six variants. The basic version is the CLA 180 with 122 hp from 28,919 euros. Then you have a CLA 200 with 156 hp and a CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic and CLA 250 4Matic Sport with 211 hp each. The top version is the CLA 45 AMG 4Matic. This powerhouse with four-wheel drive and a wonderful soundtrack is equipped with the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder in the world with a power of 360 hp.
CLA 250 Sport 4Matic Shooting Brake
We did a test drive with the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic Shooting Brake. This is the sporty version of the CLA 250 on which the AMG team has also shined a light. This “Sport” has, among other things, a more dynamic styling, a sportier setting of the engine, accelerator and transmission and also a sportier sound. In S-Mode you get the best sound, with a sporty groan coming from the exhaust when upshifting around 6,000 rpm. When downshifting, you sometimes hear pops coming from the exhaust. This is not as pronounced as the AMG version, rather muffled, but for this unique sound alone the “Sport” is worth considering.
Furthermore, this CLA 250 has a petrol engine with a capacity of 1,991 cc and four cylinders in line. This power source produces 211 hp and has a torque of 350 Nm. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds and the top speed is 240 km/h. It feels quite fast, but could perhaps be a little more responsive to the throttle. Especially when kicking down, you first have to be patient for a second before the CLA launches itself enthusiastically. However, once launched, the CLA continues to go without hesitation. In terms of transmission, the “Sport” is equipped with a 7G-DCT automatic gearbox. This seven-speed transmission has also been tuned more sportily on this “Sport”. This car shifts gears very well, but the pinnacle remains the 7G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT, which we only find on the AMG.
Space and ease of use
The design principle for the CLA Shooting Brake was based on “sensual purity” as an expression of “modern luxury”. It has become a car with a lot of space, without compromising the design. So not a generic estate car like there are already, but a design icon with an authentic look. Personally, we think this is one of the best looking new cars of 2015.
At the same time, the CLA Shooting Brake offers considerably more headroom inside for the rear passengers compared to its coupe brother. This is an effective difference of 4 cm to be precise. Not little, after all. We were able to take a seat at the back during the test drive and found that there was sufficient space for our heads. Boarding does require caution. Still, if you want to do this gracefully.
The trunk has a capacity of 495 liters if you load it up to the edge of the rear seat backrest. You can expand this volume yourself by putting the rear seat in the “cargo” position. Then you get 595 liters and you still have room for a total of 5 people. The rear passengers are slightly less comfortable due to the steeper angle of the rear seat.
Reversing camera
In terms of equipment, the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic Shooting Brake was already well equipped. You can personalize and put together your CLA completely to your own taste. We would certainly take the reversing camera with guide lines as an option (381 euros). The rear view is not that good and with this camera you can make your life a lot easier for a limited additional cost.
Conclusion
We were already quite lyrical and enthusiastic when we were introduced to the CLA for the first time. This is no different after a test drive with the CLA Shooting Brake. This is certainly one of the most beautiful appearances of the moment. The CLA250 is worth it in itself with its 211 hp. If you want an even sportier soundtrack, then the CLA250 Sport is definitely for you.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
