The smallest sedan in Mercedes-Benz's stable gets a number of minor updates for 2016. The most significant is a power increase for the high-performance CLA45 AMG model, whose output rises to 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque from the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That model also gets new badging to reflect the company's new naming strategy for AMG models.
Elsewhere, the CLA250 gains standard keyless start, manual front seat cushion depth adjustment, and the dynamic select drive mode system.
The CLA250 also uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, but one tuned for a more modest 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both CLA250 and AMG 45 models use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA250 is a front-drive model that can be optioned with 4MATIC AWD, and all CLA45 models come standard with 4MATIC.
Fuel consumption figures are 9.5/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) in the CLA250 and 9.8/7.1 with AWD. The CLA45 AMG's ratings are 10.2/7.7 L/100 km.
Standard features in the CLA250 include electric power steering and parking brake, engine automatic start-stop, 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, keyless start, "artico" leather upholstery, air conditioning, 12-way power front seats, Nappa leather steering wheel, split-folding rear seats, attention assist, collision prevention assist, rain-sensing wipers, and run-flat tires.
A backup camera, blind spot assist, sunroof, navigation, automatic climate control and smartphone integration are available in the optional premium package, and and a premium plus package adds a garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, power-folding side mirrors, and Xenon headlights. There's also a sport package that upgrades the brakes, adds a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels and AMG body kit. Stand-alone extras include intelligent keyless entry, active park assist and adaptive suspension dampers.
The CLA45 AMG comes with an upgraded transmission, cooling system, brakes, exhaust, suspension, and steering. There are 18-inch wheels, artico/dinamica upholstery, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
In addition to option groups similar to those in CLA250, the AMG model can be optioned with a driver's package that brings a performance steering wheel and two-mode adaptive damping suspension.
Prices are $35,300 for the CLA250, $37,500 for the CLA250 4MATIC, and the CLA45 AMG starts at $51,800.
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