Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - April 2013

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr is powered by a 168bhp, 2.1-litre, turbocharged diesel engine, which generates 258lb-ft of torque. The engine gives plenty of grunt for overtaking and propels the car from 0-62mph in just 8.2 seconds and to a top speed of 143mph.

The engine itself is very responsive, the only negative comments arising from the 7-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn’t quite match it for responsiveness. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr, as with all models in the range, comes with Mercedes' Direct Steer System, which Mercedes claims improves feedback and responsiveness, and it has to be said that the handling is poised and agile when cornering. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr comes with lower sports suspension, which does trade off some of the ride quality of the standard models in the range, but in return for reduced body-roll and improved handling.

The CLA is slightly longer than the A-Class hatchback on which it is based, and the manufacturer is rightly pleased with the outcome of its sleek and aerodynamic design. It's a design that should turn heads.

The inviting and well-appointed cabin should ensure that buyers won't be disappointed when they get inside either, and the multi-function steering wheel, CD player with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, and indeed all the controls on the dash do have premium feel about them.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr version does get its own individual treatment, such as AMG 18-inch alloy wheels, and AMG body kit, grille, sports seats, and floor mats. It is also given its own unique treatment with black door mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps, and tinted windows.

The name Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with quality - think Janis Joplin! - and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The German carmaker is hoping for great things from the CLA-class, and as such has used tried and tested engines and other components from existing models where possible. Confidence in the product is backed up by an unlimited mileage warranty for three years.

Safety-wise, no stone has been left unturned by the engineers at Mercedes, and in addition to the usual safety features, such as a full compliment of airbags, there are more innovative systems such as one designed to warn drivers when they are becoming drowsy, and the radar-driven Collision Prevention Assist which can foretell and help to avoid accidents.

The added length of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr means the 470 litre boot capacity is considerably better than on the A-Class, however the swooping lines of the car have compromised the rear passenger headroom.

With a £31,555 price tag, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr is at the top of the CLA-Class range. However, as you would hope, despite being £5,000 more expensive to buy than the petrol version of the AMG Sport it is better in almost every respect. For a start, it is over a second quicker from 0-62mph, and 13mph faster at the top end, and the increased performance does not come at the expense of economy either. It has a combined fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg, compared to 50.4mpg in the petrol-engined version. It also emits less CO2 with its reading of 117g/km seeing the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr fall into Road Tax Band C. With residual values in mind, the CLA-Class as a whole are expected to hold their value strongly, but diesel models such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 220 CDI AMG Sport 4dr should perform particularly well when the model hits the used car market thanks to its lower running costs and impressive performance figures.