Glad. It's A Diesel

The new Mercedes GLA arrives sporting some refreshed elements and updates outside and inside. Under the skin, though, it sees no change. Here is what it is like

- Jim Gorde 

THE NEW GLA IS A FACELIFT OF THE H247-gen model that was refreshed in Q2 last year and is now making its way to India. Mercedes have kept it no secret that they are sold out pretty much across the board with demand for premium cars seeing new highs last year. That also meant they sold over 17,000 cars in India. That includes locally produced offerings as well as the limited number of AMG high performance models.

The GLA is based on the MFA (modular front architecture) that spawned the then all-new A-Class hatchback and which also underpins the A Sedan, the B, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA, GLB, and anything else with an A or a B in its name that I may have missed out that isn't electric.

The new GLA is a well-rounded car, in terms of styling at least, and is as aerodynamic as its swoopy form makes one believe it is. It has grown longer by two millimetres but has the same width, height, and wheelbase as before. Even Mercedes' communication only mentions the new front and rear design, LED High Performance headlights, comfort seats in Artico/fabric, leather steering wheel, and 10.25-inch media display as standard, with the new MBUX generation and upgraded Driving Assistance package, with the electrified drivetrains and further developed hybrid powertrain the GLA 250 e that isn't sold here. The electrification is restricted to the petrol engine line while the diesels (there are three specs in Europe: 180 d, 200 d, and 220 d) continue with the 1,950-cc four-cylinder "OM654q" engine which is now Euro 6ecompliant; more than well-prepared for BS6-II emission norms.

The revised telematics system gets a new design and improved performance. There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an additional USB Type-C port with higher-wattage USB charging power, and all USB ports are now illuminated.