Mercedes GLA 2017 practicality review _ Mat Watson Reviews

The Mercedes GLA: A Blend of Style and Practicality

The Mercedes GLA is an SUV that combines the style of a premium hatchback with the compact body of a small SUV. But does this blend of styles make it less practical than its closest rivals? In this article, we'll explore the features, pros, and cons of the Mercedes GLA.

One of the key questions is whether the GLA's smaller size makes it less practical than larger SUVs. The answer is that while small touches may offer bigger boots, the GLA still offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The boot, which measures 481 liters, grows to 1,235 liters with the rear seats folded down. This means that a stroller can easily fit in the back of the GLA, as well as golf clubs, one large and one small suitcase. Even with a parcel shelf in place, it's possible to get a bike in with both wheels attached.

The GLA's boot is also notable for its square shape, which makes stacking items easy. There are plenty of useful features in the back, including two tethering hooks on either side for securing smaller items, as well as Curry Hooks and a 12-volt socket. These features make the GLA a practical choice for road trips or daily use.

However, while the GLA's boot is spacious, its rear seat space isn't quite a match for some of its rivals. With three passengers sharing the rear bench, shoulder room can be tight, and the middle seat can feel firm. There also isn't much space under the front seats for feet, which may make the seating position uncomfortable on long trips.

Despite these limitations, the GLA still offers good head and leg room, particularly for taller drivers or those who need to accommodate children in child seats. However, kids may not like the small windows and bulky front seats, which can make the rear of the cab feel dark and claustrophobic by SUV standards.

The GLA's rear doors are also a bit tricky to navigate, although they're larger than those on some rivals like the Audi Q3. Once you've negotiated the seat through the opening, it's dead easy to secure the exposed brackets for ISPIX fittings, but locating them can be a bit of a challenge.

One of the GLA's biggest advantages is its clever use of cubbies and storage spaces. The front door bins can hold 1.5 liters and 5-liter bottles of water, and the glove box is huge, although it's occupied by the manual once you remove it. There's also a foldout cubby under the front passenger seat that can take a small smartphone and a pair of cup holders between the front seats. Additionally, there are two more cup holders in the rear seat armrest that will each take a 75C bottle.

While the GLA may lack the passenger space of some SUVs like the BMW X1, it makes up for this with its practicality and clever design. The use of cubbies and storage spaces means that it's still much more practical than your typical premium hatchback. Whether you're looking for a daily driver or a family car, the Mercedes GLA is definitely worth considering.

At Mercedes, research and development are taking place every day to create innovative cars like the GLA. In fact, did you know that Mercedes spends 10 million euros a day on research and development? This commitment to innovation means that the GLA is not just a stylish car but also one that is built for long-term performance and reliability.