Mercedes-Benz GLA

Second time plucky

- Tim Robson

The original GLA copped a bad rap. Roundly panned by the press, it was criticised for the simple fact it wasn’t very convincing. It lacked room and ability, plus it couldn’t shake the perception that it was merely an A-Class in stilettos.

Of course, none of this really mattered. It still sold remarkably well, though now we have a second generation GLA. And Mercedes has moved to address the original’s shortcomings with more space, smarts and a better driving experience.

The GLA is now 14mm shorter in length, but it’s grown in width and wheelbase by a crucial 30mm, and it’s 140mm taller as well. This liberates much more rear legroom – 116mm with the sliding second row in its most rearward position – as well as more boot space, a key criticism of the first GLA. It grows from 421 litres with the seats up to 435 litres.

While there is flexibility to the cargo area with the 40:20:40 split seats, it’s a bit hard to access; there are no levers on top of the rear seats, leaving you to fish for a pull tag to drop the backs manually.

It’s also disappointing to see a can of goo and a compressor under the boot floor, given the GLA’s pitch towards rugged independence, although it is possible to add a space saver spare.