The Mercedes GLA for 2020 is a lot like a bigger A class in terms of what you get. Great design, high-quality execution and a very comfortable ride. As a small SUV, it’s one of the best options with very few drawbacks compared to the competition like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this a good premium small SUV.
The regular stunning Mercedes design. 
Overall, the new GLA is wider and taller than its predecessor while still looking great. Depending on the range line you choose, the bumpers chrome details may differ. One thing they all get as standard are LED headlights, pin-style grille and chrome roof bars. The AMG line is all that but has more chrome and the 18-inch alloy wheels get upgraded to 19-inch.
If you want any other colour other than black then think again. For a car of this price range, Mercedes only offer 1 colour as standard, white. This means you will need to pay more to get an option on what is probably the biggest choice for design.
Inside the 2020 Mercedes GLA in great.
Climbing inside meets you with a stunning modern car look. From sporty features to incredibly high-quality materials, it’s a comfortable place to be. Greeting you are the two screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system. As a Mercedes, the 2020 GLA also has a brilliant infotainment system that is easy to navigate and lovely to use. There is one downside to it and that’s the fact that the entry-level version won’t give you Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. At least the Mercedes made the system function very well without them.
Along with that, there is dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Speaking of seats, the 2020 GLA has even more space for passengers, thanks Mercedes. If you want more boot space, and there’s a good chance you might, you could have the back seats adjustable. This will expand on the 435-litre boot which is a lot smaller than other small SUVs.
A comfortable ride with great performance. 
There are petrol and diesel engine options available on the Mercedes 2020 GLA and first up are the petrol engines. The GLA 200 has a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine that gives 120 kW and 250 Nm with an automatic 7-speed gearbox. Then the diesel engine. The GLA 200d has a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 110 kW and 350 Nm through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
They are all front-wheel drive but there is a Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic at the top of the range. Using a 2.0-lire turbopetrol engine, it makes 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque through an 8-speed dual-clutch AMG speedshift transmission. So, if you want to go fast and go off-road it’s, unfortunately, the more expensive version you are going to have to go for.
The Mercedes GLA 2020 also comes with Lane-keeping assist, Auto emergency braking and a rear-view camera. To drive, it’s nice and light, it holds the roads well and the suspension is amazing.
We like the new GLA.
Paying more can get you more, like bigger screens, augmented reality SatNav, keyless entry and a very cool panoramic glass roof. While open, it will change its angle depending on your speed to reduce wind noise and it will sense rain to close automatically. All very fancy.
It’s a stunning car and if a small SUV in its price range, which starts at R579 518, is what you are in the market for, you should put it at the top of your list for considerations.