Mercedes-Benz India launches CLA facelift at Rs 31.40 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the CLA facelift at Rs 31.40 lakh. While the base price is for the CLA 200 Style diesel, the petrol CLA 200 Sport costs Rs 33.68 lakh. Meanwhile, the diesel CLA 200 Sport comes with a Rs 34.68 lakh tag. (All prices ex-showroom Mumbai).

The updates to the CLA, the German carmaker’s most affordable model in India, are subtle and include mild styling changes to the exterior and an improved interior, while powertrain options remain the same. With the middle-aged facelift, the CLA now features a diamond-effect radiator grille and a re-profiled front bumper with chrome inserts. Besides, the headlights are now full LED. At the rear, the bumpers are revised and now incorporate the exhausts, enhancing the already stylish sedan’s svelte look.

Commenting at the launch of the 2017 CLA, Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Ever since its India debut, the CLA has witnessed an overwhelming response from young patrons across the country. With the CLA, we introduced 12 new products in 2016 and maintained a strong product offensive. Our product strategy is in the right direction and we are glad to see it working despite challenging market scenarios.”

There are mild changes to the interiors which extend to restyled dials and red needles in the instrument cluster, and a few trim and colour changes. Highlights include the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, up from 7.0-inches in the outgoing model, which Mercedes says is “slimmer”, and improved smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The other features on offer are USB, Aux and Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, cruise control and a panoramic sunroof.

Mechanically, the car carries forward the same 136hp 2.1-litre diesel and 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine from the current model with seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also gets Mercedes’ Dynamic Select System with a choice of drive modes.

Interestingly, the carmaker has silently updated the current CLA 45 AMG, as the performance sedan has received a bump in power and torque to 381hp and 475Nm respectively, from the earlier figures of 360hp and 450Nm.

Mercedes-Benz India is also set to launch one more model before the end of the year.

Related: Mercedes-Benz India, luxury car market may not see growth in 2016