Mercedes-Benz's compact 4-door "coupe" has received styling updates as well as a new engine.

There seems no let up in local product introductions by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. A week ago, Benz launched the SLC43, SL43 andC63 Coupe AMGs and this week it was the turn of the smaller-platform CLA to take the spotlight.

What’s changed?

The CLA has proved a popular sedan for Mercedes-Benz; more than 1 million units have been sold around the globe since the 4-door A-Class variant was introducedin 2013. It’s not entirely hard to see why: the CLA is extremely good looking when viewed from the front, as well as in profile. The rear design is not to everyone's taste, but overall, it’s an eye-catching car. The facelifted model has kept almost all the CLA’s distinctive features untouched. The front bumper has been finessedand the popular star-studded grille is standard across the range. LED headlights round out the front-end redesign.

CLA retains its stylish coupe lines with only slight enhancements to the bumper and grille

Engines

As for the drivetrains, all the CLA derivatives are carried over from the pre-facelift model, with the exception of the CLA 200d –a new entry-level turbodiesel that was introduced due to customer demand, Mercedes-Benz says. The 200d offers leisurely performance that contrasts sharply with the overtly sportylooks of the CLA; the former seems to be more about peacocking than delivering much in the way of dynamism. For a cruiser, it’s capable enough and offers peak outputs of 100 kW and 300 Nm.

The 200d isn’t the cheapest model in the range, however, that title belongs to the turbopetrol-engined CLA 200. Its 1.6-litre motor produces 115 kW, with 250 Nm of torque to back it up.

Meanwhile, the CLA 220d is the most fuel-efficient engine in the range, with a claimed consumption figure of 4.0L/100 km. It has impressive power too, with 130 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It's a 2.1-litre turbodiesel motor that was carried over from the recently refreshed A-Class (rather than the new 2.0-litre turbodiesel that has just been launched in the E-Class range).

The remaining pair ofturbopetrol derivatives harness Mercedes’4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The CLA 250 Sport 4Matic has 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque available and feels quite spirited when you "hoof it" down the road. The top model is the AMG CLA45 4Matic, which benefits from the upgraded 2.0-litre turbo motor that churns out 280 kW and 475 Nm of torque.

Handling

The CLA is based on Mercedes-Benz's small car platform, which it shareswith the A-Class, but the former seems to have a slightly more pliant ride quality… The suspension feels more settled over bumps and it’s less stiff when the surface gets patchy. The front-wheel drive derivatives feel reasonably nimble, but there isn’t really enough power to set the pulse racing.

The 4Matic models (with more power) feel well-planted in the bends and are more eager to turn in than the front-powered models. The AMG model is blisteringly quick off the line and built for taming corners at high speeds, but we weren’t able to get the hang of it on our few laps of Zwartkops Raceway. We’ll have to wait for a full test in the next couple of weeks or so.

Both the 250 Sport and AMG models are equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system

Inside

The interior of the CLA has been lifted straight from the A-Class and also features the new 8-inch infotainment screen as an option; the instrument dials have a new design (most apparent in the revised lettering) and the fascia features updated trim elements. The rear legroom is not particularly spacious, but an adult could sit behind a 1.83-metre tall driver in reasonable comfort for shorter trips. The sloping roofline is a larger problem as passengers in the back will notice a lack of headroom.

Interior is identical to the A-Class, featuring the new, larger infotainment screen.

Pricing

Mercedes-Benz seems to have kept pricing keen to keep its younger market interested in the (undoubtedly fashionable) CLA range. The exchange rate wasn’t kind when these cars were likely ordered a couple of months ago either. It still remains a premium product and base pricing doesn’t include the abundance of options on offer in the Benz garage.

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