Remix Review: Tim Phin tests the Mercedes-Benz GLA

Words by Tim Phin. I love luxury and have a real penchant for luxury goods. Although I love and support New Zealand brands, every time I’m in Europe I always buy myself a beautiful luxury item, whether it be clothing, jewellery or grooming goods. The same goes for cars. I love following the latest car technology and test-driving the newest models for our readers. It’s one of the perks of the job! GLA Mercedes So when I get an opportunity to experience a car that has an emphasis on luxury, I’m in my element. Last week I visited Coutts Cars in Newmarket to review the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and I was seriously impressed. You’ll notice I don’t write many reviews myself on Remix, so when I do you can rest assured it’s because I’m really blown away by the product. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the latest and greatest option in the hugely popular new market for the ‘compact SUV'. If you aren’t already aware of this craze, which has swept city slickers the world over, I’m talking about vehicles halfway between an SUV and a hatchback. They’re small enough to zip around town, large enough to store the golf clubs in the boot. Ok so let’s start with the design. As is always the case with Mercedes-Benz, the design of the GLA is classic yet contemporary. There is a major emphasis on modern luxury, as is the design philosophy for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Again the GLA creates a bridge between modernity and avant-garde, between tradition and progression. Powerdomes in the bonnet accentuate the sportiness of the vehicle, whereas the upright front end and central star lends a superior impression to the GLA. The same goes for the interior. The feeling of pure quality is continued inside the car, with equally impressive design features. The high-grade materials, including matt and glossy 3D geometries create an amazing light effect. The matt satin finish of the wood trim further underscores the modern character and makes the surfaces particularly pleasant to the touch. Petrol heads listen up, here’s the engine rundown! The GLA can be driven at a fuel consumption of only 4.6 litres per 100 km, setting new standards in its segment. It has a modern four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct injection, as well as an ECO start/stop function as standard, making for superior efficiency. There are four modes of transmission – ECONOMY, SPORT, MANUAL and OFFROAD – all individually suited for the needs of the driver. GLA Mercedes DashThe tech features of the Mercedes-Benz GLA are seemingly endless, with an extensive list of innovative features and gadgets that make driving this car an experience. You can read about more of the feature specifics here. Several of them are customizable as well, meaning you can personalize elements of the Mercedes-Benz GLA to make it truly your own. From the hour I spent with this car, I already know the exact features I would have if it were mine! What struck me more than anything is how cool this car is. I don’t currently own a Mercedes-Benz and I’ve never really considered buying one up until now. The GLA is everything we’re about at Remix… it’s stylish, cutting edge and individual. Oh and it’s got an exceptional sound system, which is a ‘must have’ for me as well. Click here for more information on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. GLA Mercedes  

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