Mercedes CLA vs Genesis G70: Germany faces Korea in our junior exec shoot-out

With so many SUVs and electrical vehicles present process the Auto Specific Actual-World Street Take a look at, it’s one thing of a breath of recent air once we get a pair of petrol-powered saloons collectively.

We are saying saloons, however Mercedes classifies the CLA as a coupe, very similar to the bigger — and now discontinued — CLS. For the advantage of this take a look at we’re going to miss that classification, however we’ll undoubtedly be retaining an in depth eye on the vary of updates that Mercedes has lately launched, as we attempt it in mild-hybrid CLA 200 guise.

On condition that the automotive has low-slung, sporty seems to be, however isn’t essentially the primary automotive to return to thoughts whenever you consider a Mercedes saloon, it felt acceptable to line up one other left-field selection towards it.

The Genesis G70 all however matches the CLA in size and is priced equally, though it does include rear-wheel drive the place the CLA sends energy to the entrance wheels. Does that give the Genesis a bonus for driving enjoyable? Or can the CLA beat its rival with a broader mixture of skills?

Mercedes CLA

Latest updates to the Mercedes A-Class line-up have additionally discovered their technique to the CLA, so there’s a cleaner look and extra package, together with the introduction of mild-hybrid tech to the petrol fashions. Right here we’re testing the CLA 200 in AMG Line Premium trim, which begins from £41,425.

Tech highlights 

As already talked about, the CLA’s updates mirror these of the A-Class. That’s as a result of each fashions are primarily based on the identical MFA2 platform, which additionally underpins the B-Class, GLA, GLB and their electrical EQA and EQB equivalents.

The CLA has the identical wheelbase because the A-Class, but it surely’s longer general to accommodate its saloon rear finish. The automotive’s flowing traces and low roof imply Mercedes has fitted doorways with frameless home windows, and that’s largely the explanation why it’s known as a coupé (plus the truth that an A-Class saloon additionally exists).

The updates in 2023 focused on a reprofiled nostril with a brand new diamond grille for all fashions, plus new LED lights entrance and rear, whereas the most recent MBUX infotainment system was added inside. Mechanical revisions noticed the introduction of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system on the petrol vehicles to spice up effectivity, however the 1.3-litre powerplant — which is the results of a three way partnership with Renault — stays the identical. 

Lighting: Mercedes is a market chief for headlight expertise, and all variations of the CLA have LED items with adaptive main-beam help that ship a shiny discipline of view at night time. 

Premium Plus fashions function Multibeam, which mechanically dips the primary beam in sections when site visitors is detected forward. Additionally included are neat start-up and shutdown animations that activate at any time when the automotive is locked or unlocked.

On the street

In a world of bloated SUVs, the CLA proves to be fairly nimble, however there are compromises.

Round city:  Mild steering boosts the CLA’s agility, whereas all variations include entrance and rear sensors, a reversing digital camera and park help that will help you out and in of areas. Nevertheless, clean low-speed manoeuvres are hampered by a jerky throttle response and grabby brakes, whereas a agency experience implies that damaged surfaces may be felt simply. 

Ahead visibility is ok, however whereas the C-pillars aren’t as thick as they’re in an A-Class, the CLA’s slim again window limits rear visibility as an alternative.

A & B-roads: Issues enhance with pace, and  on quicker nation roads the CLA 200 is extra gratifying. With 161bhp on faucet, it’s not the quickest automotive in a straight line, and there’s loads of noise because the 1.3-litre engine will get on top of things, however the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox responds nicely to maintain the engine in its energy band, and the chassis affords loads of grip. The stability is impartial on the entire, with the automotive pushing in direction of understeer as you attain its restrict.

Motorway: Excessive-speed cruising is the place the CLA is at its greatest, as a result of the engine settles right down to a background hum, whereas the experience on the 19-inch alloys fitted to Premium-spec vehicles smooths out. There’s not a lot street or wind noise, both, permitting you to cruise in consolation.

The help methods fitted to the CLA aren’t as intrusive as another set-ups, both. The place the Genesis continually adjusts the steering wheel to maintain you within the centre of a lane, the Mercedes system works far more easily. While you do cross a lane marker with out indicating, the steering wheel gently vibrates in your hand.

Possession

Entry to the CLA’s cabin is a little bit of a compromise, courtesy of that low roofline and slim door openings, however when you’re in, it actually feels particular. There are soft-touch plastics, steel switchgear and loads of gloss-black plastic all through the cabin, and construct high quality feels good. AMG Line vehicles function half microfibre and faux leather-based upholstery, which provides a sporty contact.

The dashboard structure is sensible, with twin 10.25-inch screens sitting facet by facet throughout the highest of the fascia, though this newest replace has eliminated the management pad from the centre console, so you may solely use the touchscreen or voice instructions with the central show.

The inside structure encompasses a low-slung driving place, whereas the excessive centre console provides to the cosy really feel inside. A flat-bottomed steering wheel completed in perforated leather-based and outfitted with steel gearshift paddles provides a sporty contact, whereas Mercedes’ touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are current. These are a bit too delicate, although, and may be by accident activated when turning.

Mercedes gives three years of guarantee cowl for its vehicles, however that’s two years lower than Genesis affords as commonplace. You’ll be able to pay additional for an prolonged guarantee to match it, however the higher mileage restrict is ready at 120,00 miles. 

Storage: The place the management pad was once on the centre console, there’s now a shallow tray that’s not a lot use for holding something greater than cash; put a smartphone there, and it’ll possible fall out when you take a nook too briskly. Luckily there’s lined storage forward of that the place some variations get a wi-fi cellphone charging pad and charging sockets, whereas the centre armrest has further storage and a USB-C connection.

There’s an honest glovebox, too, and the door bins provide helpful house. Nevertheless, they aren’t flock lined, so smaller objects will rattle round in them. 

Practicality

Some compromises must be made for the CLA’s sporty form.

Rear Area: As is becoming with its coupé classification by Mercedes, the again seats are solely actually arrange for 2 passengers. Entry is compromised by the automotive’s sloping roof, and the outer chairs are closely sculpted, leaving a perch within the center with restricted foot house. Legroom is ok, and so is headroom for all however the tallest occupants, however the small home windows and darkish trim make it really feel cocooning. There are two units of ISOFIX mounts, two air vents and a single USB-C socket within the again.

Boot: A excessive load lip and slim opening restrict what you may carry within the CLA, though the ground space is sq. and there’s 460 litres of house on provide. Levers close to the boot opening launch the seat backs, however it’s essential transfer to the passenger space to fold them down.

What to purchase?

Which model we’d select

• Powertrains The 134bhp CLA 180 and 161bhp CLA 200 use the identical 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, whereas the diesel CLA 220 d has a 187bhp 2.0-litre unit. The CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid makes use of the CLA 200’s engine plus a 108bhp electrical motor and 15.6kWh battery that gives an official vary of 47 miles. All vehicles are autos and front-wheel drive.
• Trim: There are Sport Government, AMG Line Government, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus choices to select from. The CLA 250 e solely is available in AMG Line guises, however all the opposite engines are provided throughout the board.
• Our selection: A CLA 200 with the smaller AMG Line Government wheels will enhance consolation. 

Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 was one of many model’s European launch fashions in 2021, though it’s a facelifted model of a automotive that initially went on sale in Korea and the US in 2017. We’re testing it right here in Sport specification with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It intently matches the CLA 200 on value, being solely £45 dearer, at £41,470.

Tech highlights 

Genesis was created as a luxurious spin-off from Hyundai, and the G70 makes use of expertise that’s shared with different fashions throughout the group. Its platform additionally featured beneath the now-defunct Kia Stinger, whereas the two.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is a variation on the one discovered within the Hyundai i30 N sizzling hatchback.

Right here it’s tuned to provide 241bhp and 353Nm of torque, figures which might be a wholesome 80bhp and 83Nm forward of the CLA 200’s. The G70’s torque peak is generated at 3,500rpm, although, in contrast with 2,000rpm for the Mercedes, so the engine must be revved extra to take advantage of it. Drive is distributed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed computerized gearbox, whereas a limited-slip differential is fitted as commonplace, as are Brembo brakes. 

Security: The Genesis G70 earned a five-star Euro NCAP crash take a look at ranking when it was launched in 2021, and it comes with a variety of driver- help methods as commonplace. The Mercedes CLA additionally achieved a five-star rating, however with fixed adjustments to Euro NCAP’s take a look at circumstances, its 2019 ranking can’t be instantly in contrast with the G70’s.

Nonetheless, each vehicles function loads of security package, with blind spot detection and lane-keeping help each fitted as commonplace. Nevertheless, we discovered the Genesis system slightly intrusive, with warning beeps and tugs of the steering wheel proving to be one thing of an annoyance as an alternative of a useful warning.

On the street

There’s a sportier edge to the G70 than there’s to the CLA, and it makes its presence felt in any respect speeds.

Round city:  As with the Mercedes, a low-slung, sporty driving place implies that the view out of the G70 isn’t pretty much as good as you’ll discover in some rivals. However there are entrance and rear parking sensors and a reversing digital camera all included, so positioning the automotive at low speeds is straightforward. There’s mild steering, too, so turning from lock to lock is a doddle. The turbocharged engine is clean and responsive sufficient, though the low-profile tyres on 19-inch alloys imply the experience is on the agency facet.

A & B-roads: These wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, which is a compound usually discovered on high-performance sports activities vehicles. They provide a number of grip, whereas the rear-wheel-drive chassis delivers nimble dealing with when put next with the Mercedes. The G70 is round 200kg heavier than the CLA, but it surely hides its weight nicely, and feels nicely balanced in corners.

The steering stays mild, even when you choose the sportiest drive mode, and it lacks suggestions, too. That’s a disgrace when you think about that, in distinction to the CLA, the entrance wheels don’t have the extra activity of sending energy to the street. The Brembo brakes ship good stopping energy and are proof against fade, whereas the eight-speed gearbox affords clean shifts.

Motorway: At greater speeds, the G70 nonetheless feels agency the place the Mercedes has the flexibility to supply a relaxed cruise, and whereas wind and engine noise is minimal, street noise from the tyres is ever-present. It’s on the motorway the place the lane-assist system is at its most intrusive, too, with fixed correction of the wheel in your fingers.

Possession

For the reason that Genesis G70 is a automotive that may hint its roots again to 2017, it’s not stricken with a rash of touchscreens or a minimalist dashboard structure like many new fashions. It nonetheless has a ten.25-inch central show and digital dials, however the giant knobs for the local weather controls and different steel switchgear are used for a lot of capabilities.

The cabin gained’t be to all tastes, however Genesis has tried to make it sporty and upmarket on the identical time. Construct high quality is nice, however for some the pink stitching within the cabin – particularly on the diamond quilting on the seat backs and door playing cards – will probably be a bit extreme.

One clear benefit that the G70 affords over the CLA is its complete after-sales package deal. As with mum or dad agency Hyundai, Genesis affords a five-year limitless mileage guarantee on all of its fashions. Nevertheless, the corporate additionally gives 5 years of roadside help and over-the-air software program updates, plus the primary 5 companies are additionally included as a part of the package deal. And when you’re nowhere close to a Genesis franchise, then your automotive will probably be collected and also you’ll be left with a courtesy automotive whereas it’s being labored on.

The problem of dealerships is a difficult one, although, as a result of a latest restructuring of the Genesis model will see its vehicles offered through Hyundai websites. With that model putting seventeenth in the newest Driver Energy producer survey, Genesis will probably be on a greater footing than Mercedes, however the Korean model’s notion of luxurious may take a knock.

Storage: The G70’s large centre console creates house for twin cup-holders subsequent to the drive selector, whereas the centre armrest options deep storage beneath. Under the local weather controls there’s a tray with a wi-fi charging pad for smartphones, in addition to USB and 12-volt connections. The door bins are slim when put next with those within the Mercedes.

Practicality

The place the CLA scores nicely for boot house, the G70 is healthier for back-seat passengers.

Rear Area: On the surface, the Mercedes is 30mm taller than the Genesis, however a decrease again seat implies that it’s the latter that has extra headroom. The G70’s cabin is wider, too, so there’s extra elbow room on provide. However when you’re travelling three-up, the middle-seat occupant grabs the brief straw, because of the closely sculpted outer seats and huge transmission tunnel taking on legroom.

Boot: There’s a powered tailgate on the G70 – one thing that appears pointless on a saloon comparable to this – however whereas the Genesis has a decrease load lip than the Mercedes, the house is shallower. The ground is flat and sq., although, with cargo nets on both facet. The again seats fold from throughout the cabin, however the opening
is narrower than the CLA’s.

What to purchase?

Which model we’d select

• Powertrains: There’s a single engine choice obtainable, which is the 241bhp 2.0T petrol right here. Genesis did provide a 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel for some time, which provided claimed gasoline financial system of 43.5mpg, however that motor has been discontinued.
• Trim: Entry-level Premium and plush Luxurious specs had been obtainable at launch, however the present G70 line-up includes solely the Sport mannequin. That’s not a lot of a hardship, as a result of to our eyes it’s the best-looking model, and it comes with a really lengthy listing of normal package.
• Our selection: On condition that there’s no different choice, the two.0T Sport examined right here is our choose. 

Outcomes

Which automotive comes out on high?

Winner: Mercedes CLA

Not the entire updates – notably the elimination of the centre console controls – have been profitable, however the Mercedes CLA remains to be the best choice right here. It’s filled with package and spectacular tech, whereas the driving expertise is a nice one, if not overly memorable.

Nevertheless it’s the finance package deal that actually seals the deal. With far decrease working prices and month-to-month outgoings, it’s straightforward to miss what minor shortcomings that there are elsewhere.

Runner-up: Genesis G70

We actually just like the Genesis G70. It seems to be nice, it’s filled with loads of package, it handles nicely and it has a genuinely sporty character – which could come as one thing of a shock once we’re speaking a few Korean saloon. 

Nevertheless, whereas the Genesis after-sales package deal is spectacular in its protection and comfort, the steeper month-to-month repayments and better gasoline and insurance coverage prices are the automotive’s undoing. 

Rivals and different choices

The CLA wins our twin take a look at, however what else is on the market?

The nice debate

What the Auto Specific take a look at workforce would do…

John Mcllroy, editor–at–giant: “Whereas combustion-engined small executives have gotten a rarity, the sector is having a revival with EVs. The Tesla Mannequin 3 led the way in which, however has since been joined by the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, whereas the BYD Seal and Volkswagen ID.7 have lately been launched.”

Richard Ingram, deputy editor: “One other various to the CLA is the Volkswagen Arteon, which carries the mantle as the corporate’s household automotive, now that the Passat is property-only. Just like the CLA it may be had with a PHEV powertrain, there’s a speedy R mannequin to match the AMG variants, plus a Capturing Brake.”

Daybreak Grant, image editor:  “It appears acceptable that the CLA will fly the flag because the entry level to the Mercedes line up as soon as the remainder of its small vehicles have been axed. The four-door form affords a extra conventional look than the hatchback fashions, and makes it really feel a bit extra upmarket than these vehicles, too.”

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief: “It’s at all times troublesome for a brand new model to launch, and so it has proved with Genesis. Whereas the badge has a profile within the US, it hasn’t caught the creativeness of UK consumers. With gross sales now being taken over by Hyundai sellers, we’ll have to attend and see if the model manages to proceed.”

Alex Ingram, chief reviewer: “The CLA has an honest chassis, and it’s one which’s put to the take a look at with the potent AMG variants. There are 302bhp CLA 35 and 415bhp CLA 45 S editions on provide, with the latter managing 0-62mph in simply 4.1 seconds. It prices a whopping £68,175, although.”

Which might you purchase? Tell us within the feedback part beneath…

Specs and costs