Mercedes CLA review

Have you ever seen Queer Eye? In this TV makeover show, five ‘fabulous’ presenters take a ‘regular’ person and give them a new look so they’re sleeker and sexier than before. And really that’s the best way to explain the Mercedes CLA.

It may be based on the A-Class hatchback, but from the twin ‘power domes’ on its bonnet, through its arching, coupé-like roofline, down to its sculpted tail, it adds a big dollop of extra style.

True, the interior is carried over from the A-Class pretty much unchanged. However, that’s no bad thing, because it means you get tactile materials and a layout that’s similar to that of the S-Class limousine.

This is a family car, then, for those who don’t want to stop worshipping at the altar of design just because they’ve swapped karaoke and kayaking for kids and kaboodle.

The regular engine line-up includes petrols and diesels that range from 134bhp to 221bhp, as well as a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid. Or should you want more pace, there’s the AMG-tuned performance models, including the flagship CLA 45, which we’ve reviewed separately.

How does the CLA compare with its rivals, though, which include the Audi A5 Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon?

That’s what we’ll be looking at in this review, as we consider everything from comfort to handling and practicality to costs. And, of course, if you decide it's the one for you, our New Car Buying service offers fantastic discounts on the CLA and hundreds of other great cars, and all without you needing to lift a finger.