Pros and Cons: Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CKD – Lovely interior design but feels basic

Now locally assembled (CKD), the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 has renewed its fight against CKD rivals like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. If you’re in the market for a subcompact luxury SUV, we’ve gathered the pros and cons to help with your buying decision.

To recap, there are two variants of the CKD Mercedes-Benz GLA – GLA 200 and GLA 250, priced at RM 232,379 and RM 266,164 (OTR without insurance and SST) respectively. The variant we’re focusing on here is the GLA 200, and here a quick overview of its pros and cons.

Also read: CKD 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247) launched in Malaysia, priced from RM 232k

Pros

• Well-designed interior and packaging
• Ease of ingress and egress
• Balanced ride and handling

Cons

• Some aspects look basic
• Engine feels asthmatic at highway speeds

Pro – Well-designed interior and packaging

Like all modern Mercedes-Benzes, the GLA’s interior design is rather pleasing to the eye. There are turbine-styled air vents with dual widescreen displays taking centre stage of the dashboard.

It looks similar to its A-Class sibling, and the GLA does it whilst offering more space. The cabin feels airy, whether you’re seated at the front or rear.

There’s also a decent amount of cubby spaces and the door bins are able to fit large 1.5-litre bottles.

Pro – Ease of ingress and egress

One of the biggest advantages of the GLA compared to the A-Class is the ease of ingress and egress. The seat height is at an ideal position in reference to the hip point.

Adults of average height won’t be crouching down or climbing up to enter, just slide in with zero contortion. If you ferry any elderly frequently, they’ll appreciate it. This writer had had a lower back injury prior to testing the GLA 200, and my back was grateful.

Pro – Balanced ride and handling

The Malaysian-spec GLA 200 rides on Comfort suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped with relatively chunky 235/55 profile rubbers. But don’t expect a pillowy ride quality as it’s on the firmer side. 

That being said, it’s not overly stiff. It balances comfort and handling quite well, giving decent body control while maintaining good levels of pliancy. Plus, the healthy sidewalls help cushion nasty ruts or potholes, so it never gets crashy.

Con – Some aspects look basic

Unlike the higher-rung GLA 250, the GLA 200 wears the Progressive Line exterior outfit that looks less striking. The smaller 18-inch wheels’ design also appears rather basic for this writer’s liking.

Inside, it loses out on the snazzy 64-colour ambient lighting and the trim pieces are wrapped by what feels like cheap vinyl that you’d be able to buy off any accessories store.

Con – Engine feels asthmatic at highway speeds

While the 1.33-litre turbocharged engine does have a decent amount of pull at city speeds, it does start to feel a little wheezy at triple-digit speeds. It relies heavily on the turbocharger to provide any adequate pulling power, which sacrifices fuel consumption.

If you’re a frequent interstate traveller, we reckon you’d be better off in the GLA 250 with the stronger 2.0-litre turbocharged mill.

Also read: Ratings: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 in Malaysia - Performance and class at a premium

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 has one the best interior in its class and its ease of ingress and egress makes a great daily runabout. Plus, the balanced suspension setup works well on our Malaysian roads.

However, there are reminders that you’ve gone for the entry-level variant and the engine gets out of its comfort zone at higher speeds. If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLA, we’d suggest going for the GLA 250 to get the full experience. But if you find the faults mentioned to be acceptable, then the GLA 200 will serve you well.

Also read: Review: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 – It’s good, but is it RM 285k good?