New Mercs arrive in Ireland

AS THOUGH to underline the pace at which they are working to establish a presence in all model segments, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a further three new models to the Irish market.

The 4-door CLA derived from the new A-Class and styled on the iconic CLS Coupé plus a new E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet derived from the recently introduced E-Class Saloon are now available here.

Seen as a little brother to the CLS, the new CLA displays all of the characteristics likely to appeal to the younger generation.

It has an elegantly sporty roofline and power domes embedded in the bonnet that give it an extra energetic look.

Flare-effect LED daytime driving lights, deep front/side air vents, dark patterned radiator grille and inset Mercedes-Benz star motif enhance its coupé-like features. The interior has a high-quality finish, a prominent feature of which is a driver information screen finished in black with flush-fitting silver frame.

First versions of the CLA to arrive here are a 1.6-litre CLA 180 BE petrol model priced at

?¬29,900 (ex works) and a 2.2-litre CLA 220 CDI diesel automatic priced at

?¬39,000.

Arriving later in the summer will be a CLA 200 CDI diesel priced at

?¬34,900 followed next year by the CLA 180CDI at

?¬32,250, all meeting new EURO 6 emission standards.

Claiming the position of aerodynamic world champion, the CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.22 in its CLA180 BE guise – fractionally lower than the 0.23 of other models in the range. Here, fuel economy figures from 4.2-litres/100km can be expected along with CO2 emissions beginning in the low Band A road tax band.

Other features include ECO start/stop, 6-speed manual or 7G-automatic, depending on model choice. Five equipment and specification lines will be offered. Suspension set in comfort mode is standard with sports setting available as an option. With apps and advancements that fulfill every social media requirement, it is expected that the CLA will also be a magnet for those who revel in the world of online communications.

The Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen, said:

“The all new CLA is part of a new generation of compact cars and just one of 10 new models – all without predecessors – that will arrive in Ireland over the next four years.

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