Mercedes-Benz is a brand associated with quality, luxury and performance. Ever eager to please their diverse target market, the German car maker introduced a new model to the CLA lineup. I am, of course, talking about the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 Shooting Brake.
The car is “suited to a young target group that seeks inspiring experiences and new challenges.” At least, that’s what MB’s marketing chief, Dr. Jens Thiemer, had to say about the new model.
Mercedes-Benz have used an unusual angle to market the launch of the new CLA 45 Shooting Brake. They went with the “hunter seeking prey in an urban jungle” angle. Their marketing campaign began in Germany a few days ago. But is the CLA 45 Shooting Brake the prey you feast on once you spot it?
Engine and transmission choices
There are four engines and two gearbox options available in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 Shooting Brake. They are as follows:
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol. 120 brake horsepower, 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds. Top speed of 130 mph. Fuel economy (combined) is 48 mpg for manual, 51 mpg for the Tiptronic. CO2 emissions are 134 g/km (manual), 128 g/km (Tiptronic);
- 2.0-litre turbo petrol. 208 brake horsepower, 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Top speed of 149 mph. Fuel economy (combined) is 42 mpg for the Tiptronic. CO2 emissions are 152 g/km (Tiptronic);
- 2.0-litre turbo diesel. 134 brake horsepower, 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds. Top speed of 134 mph. Fuel economy (combined) is 65 mpg for manual, 68 mpg for the Tiptronic. CO2 emissions are 111 g/km (manual), 106 g/km (Tiptronic); and
- 2.0-litre turbo diesel. 174 brake horsepower, 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds. Top speed of 142 mph. Fuel economy (combined) is 67 mpg for the Tiptronic. CO2 emissions are 108 g/km (Tiptronic).
The guys over at Mercedes Inchcape have already taken many pre-orders for the new model, which goes on sale in May 2015. They’ve said that the best-selling engine combination is the 2.0-litre 134 brake horsepower diesel.
On the road
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 Shooting Brake is quite smooth on the road. Most models will feature a 4×4 drivetrain system that only serves to enhance the handling of the Shooting Brake.
Once thing I’ve noticed is that the steering offers a good blend of “weight” and feedback from the road. On some cars, the power steering system tends to make you feel disconnected from the tarmac. The good news is that you don’t suffer such problems on the CLA 45 Shooting Brake.
Trim level features
You get a plethora of equipment on the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 Shooting Brake. For instance, the base model “Sport” comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. It also comes with rear parking sensors and cruise control.
All models come with a 7-inch infotainment system on the dashboard. That means you can enjoy Bluetooth connectivity. And you can also specify sat-nav as an optional extra.
