Timing isn't everything, but in the case of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA, it's one more big tactical advantage. The company's first compact four-door luxury sedan--its first front-drive car in America, ever--the grippy and gripping CLA goes on sale this fall at least a half-year.We can tell you're excited about the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class--once again, it's The Car Connection's most popular video of the week. And why not? With the CLA.While we disdain its pretentious "four-door coupe" mo niker, the Mercedes-Benz CLS speaks to us, and we're not alone. When it debuted in 2005, the CLS sparked a movement, spinning off rivals and copycats and inspiring a full generation of sedans that shortchange rear-seat headroom for the sake of a swoopy roofline. Now, Mercedes is arming for a revolution. Headed our way is a new family of the smallest Benz-badged cars the company has ever sold in the U.S., including a sub-GLK-class micro-ute and maybe even a mini-size convertible.
Mercedes cla 2014
The CLA 250's drivetrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbo four with 208 horsepower to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. It's a combination with 0-60 mph times of 6.7 seconds and a 149-mph top speed in its portfolio, underpinned with some grunty four-cylinder noises. The transmission needs quicker shift responses, though: even with paddle controls.Rounding out our top sedan videos this week, Honda gave the the Civic an emergency refresh for 2013 with upgraded materials, and refined details to better compete with the competition.it's traveling at more than 4 mph, and can calculate the amount of brake force needed to avoid an impact. Also standard are Attention Assist and its coffee-cup reminder to pull over and avoid drowsy driving, and a driver knee airbag. Safety options include adaptive cruise control; blind-spot monitors; lane-keeping assistance; and parking sensors with parking assist. Visibility isn't great to the rear--we hope the rearview camera gets liberated into an inexpensive, stand-alone option in the near future.
Mercedes cla 2014
"Respectfully" is how you'd better treat the CLA45 AMG, a ferocious wielder of adult-sized power. Slated to arrive mere months after the civilian model, the AMG routes the byproduct of its 26-psi war cry to all four wheels. With the Premium package--it bundles an iPod interface with satellite radio, surround sound, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a garage door opener--the CLA should retail for about $33,500. It will be impossible to option the CLA 250 past $40,000.The CLA45 AMG is configured much the same, save for its drivetrain. The base price of $48,375 leaves room for option packages that include Recaro performance seats.