Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG (2014 - 2017) GLA 45 (381bhp) 4Matic (Premium) 5d Auto Owner Review

WHY CHOOSE THIS NICHE VEHICLE I looked across all the crossover type vehicles such as the audi q3 , bmw x1 , porsche macan , range rover Evoque, Nissan qashqai and also smaller hatchbacks like the golf, audi A3 and merc A class. parking is an issue so I wanted a shorter vehicle rather than a saloon which I normally prefer but with decent boot space. the c63 had an outside chance but is too powerful and not good in wet weather conditions. in the end, it was a decision between the audi rsq3 , rs3 , the A45 and GLA 45. Performance wise, the AMGs were ever so slightly ahead of the audis but the latest audis now kick out 400 bhp. when I put together the right options etc I think the mercs gave me better value than the audis which needed performance pack add ons which were slightly pricey and even then the driving mechanics were not quite there. That may have now changed in 2017 but my due diligence was done last year. the A45 is clearly much better value than the GLA. it is lower to the ground and handles a bit better and has a slight edge. the GLA has a 80 litres of additional boot space, a more compliant ride and overall is slightly more spacious and practical. in the end , the practicality trumped the performance. That said , in sport plus mode the GLA has negligible body roll. it simply sticks to the road and is good enough for most purposes and can do rougher terrain much better than the A45. I would say for most people, the A45 is probably the better choice but I needed the extra space and haven't regretted that in the slightest. I've taken it on Rough roads too and it has been superb. FUEL ECONOMY overall mpg is 26 for the vehicle and that includes a lot of urban driving and b roads and A roads. I recently did a long trip and did 360 miles doing mainly A roads in a day and the vehicle averaged 30.7mpg in sport mode. in comfort mode doing motorway driving, I can manage about 35 mpg with very relaxed driving. OVERALL THOUGHTS The car is very well built and looks great in grey with the night package. I've also got the intelligent lighting package which really helps while cornering at night etc. the interior is fantastic in terms of styling. it isn't as plush as a c class merc but far more interesting than the audi and bmw equivalents. the audis have very nice materials in their cabins but they look slightly bland. also the recaro seats and amg steering wheel are great. the performance exhaust is also probably one of the best stock exhausts in a production car. the audis have better engine sound but the exhaust on the merc is better. I had slight concerns about the massive turbo charger on this vehicle but so far after nearly 5k miles I've had not a single issue. This car is a lot of fun to drive!