Mercedes’ midlife updates to the popular GLA are a welcome exercise in subtlety. We put the GLA200d AMG Line guise through our test regimen. 
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Mercedes has given its second-generation GLA a subtle mid-lifecycle refresh that introduces a welcome dash of cosmetic and technological updates, but will these changes significantly impact what we already consider a capable and appealing mainstay of the premium compact SUV in South Africa?
Given that the second-generation GLA is already quite an eye-catching member of its segment, the external updates are understandably subtle. Up front, the headlamps (now high-performance LED units) have undergone some minor revisions to incorporate new lighting signature elements. On this AMG Line model, they flank a new radiator grille that features a strong horizontal bar with a sextet of aero cut-outs, set against the firm’s eye-catching pin grille finish. They sit above a redesigned front bumper with a body-coloured apron and intake nacelles; subtle tweaks that lend the nose a touch more presence. Out back, the rear bumper and LED brakelamp elements also benefit from subtle visual updates. The whole shooting match rolls on a set of 19-inch bi-colour alloys in a sporty-looking five-spoke design wrapped in 235/50 R19 rubber.
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Inside, the changes are similarly subtle. The inclusion of the flat-bottomed steering wheel featured in numerous other models in the AMG range is a mixed bag; looking suitably sporty, but also possessed of small haptic controls that would be better served by physical buttons. The biggest news in terms of interior updates has to be the inclusion of the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system still utilises the previous car’s dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrumentation and infotainment but introduces new features such as a digital voice assistant, integrated games that can be played when the car is parked and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the latter sees the fiddly trackpad interface make way for a more useful rubberised oddments tray in the centre console and a simplified Dyamic Select toggle switch. The AMG Line treatment also ushers in sports touches such as red contrast stitching for the Artico man-made leather seats and carbon fibre-effect trim for the facia and upper door panels. As before, the level of perceived quality is impressive and the driver ergonomics are spot-on, but the cabin does feel a little small; especially in the rear where we measured a modest 595 mm of legroom, while the boot swallowed an adequate 228 litres worth of our ISO measuring blocks with all the seats in place, and a useful 958 litres with the 40:20:20 split seatback folded.
Mercedes has a knack for producing strong yet refined diesel engines, and the 2.0-litre OM 654 four-cylinder unit is no exception. Carried over from the previous car, this unit’s 110 kW and 320 N.m peak outputs are segment-standard fare but, channelled as they are through a smooth and alert eight-speed DCT transmission, there’s never a sense of lag or latency; just a pleasing swell or low-to-mid-end torque that effortlessly carries you about whatever driving scenario you’re in. If there is a black mark against the powerplant, it would be the start/stop system. Perhaps we’ve become accustomed to the seamless and quick-reacting 48V hybrid-assisted setups that are fast becoming the norm, but the GLA’s unit occasionally takes a half-second or so to find its feet.
Image: Peet Mocke
Given manufacturers’ proclivity towards fitting visually pleasing, but practically flawed, low-profile rubber to their sportier SUV models, it’s pleasing to see the 50-profile footwear this model is sporting. While the AMG Line includes lowered and slightly stiffened sports suspension, that plumper tyre setup means the ride is well resolved and only submits to some rebound and crashiness when the road surface is truly broken. Combine this compliant ride with a supple and responsive chassis, and the GLA is an effortless and pleasingly engaging thing to pilot.
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Our test unit was fitted with the R119 000 Premium Plus specification package, which includes, among other things; wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and ignition, ambient lighting, augmented-reality navigation, dual-zone climate control, head-up display, adaptive headlamps, memory settings for the seats, and a panoramic glass roof. These are welcome features, but they do see the GLA’s price breasting the R1 million mark in the company of capable rivals that undercut it by around R100 000 beforehand.
Image: Peet Mocke
We remain fans of the GLA for its pleasing road manners and stylish packaging, not to mention the refined and eager diesel powerplant that’s becoming somewhat of a rarity in this segment. The updates, although subtle, add polish and visual verve to what was already an appealing package but, as with many of its peers, some careful consideration is required when going through the myriad options on offer in order to keep the price in check.
Find the full feature in the September issue of CAR Magazine.
Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
The post Road Test: Mercedes-Benz GLA200d AMG Line appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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