What's all this about?
Having whetted your appetites for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake model by giving you details on the range-topping 45 AMG version, here's the rest of the line-up.
What have we got?
Some familiar Mercedes powerplants, transmissions and drive systems. Three engines are split into six models in the non-AMG CLA Shooting Brake range, while there's a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission available and also the option of all-wheel drive.
Which are...?
The diesels both get the 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine, the CLA 200 CDI given 136hp and 300Nm, the CLA 220 CDI a bit meatier at 177hp and 350Nm. The 200 can be had as a manual with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch auto optional, the 220 comes just with the DCT. Obviously, the 220 is quicker, with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 142mph (compared to 9.5 seconds and 134mph for the 200 manual), but fuel economy and emissions are a touch better on the 200 - it's capable of 72.4mpg and 101g/km CO2 as a DCT, while the 220 stands at 70.6mpg and 105g/km.
How about petrol power?
Either 1.6- or 2.0-litre engines, the CLAs 180 and 200 getting the former at 122hp/200Nm and 156hp/250Nm respectively, the CLA 250 the latter at 211hp and 350Nm. You can have the 250 as a 4Matic all-wheel drive model, too. Fuel economy here ranges from 41.5- to 53.3mpg, while CO2 is anything between 124- to 158g/km. The all-wheel drive 250 can hit 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds and goes on to 149mph, while at the other end the CLA 180 manual takes 9.4 seconds to achieve 62mph and tops out at 130mph.
Does the rest of the Shooting Brake range differ greatly from the coupé CLA?
Not really. Like the AMG, maximum load capacity is 1,354 litres, there's 40mm more headroom in the rear and Mercedes says it is a 4+1 seater, rather than a full five-seater. Trim lines will be the OrangeArt limited edition, AMG Line and Urban, with the cabin design and optional specs identical to that of the regular CLA.
Do the non-AMG Shooting Brakes go on sale before the 45?
In Germany, yes, as they're ready to order in January with first deliveries in March. Other markets should follow soon after.
Matt Robinson - 27 Nov 2014
