Exclusive: Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake first drive

Liz Dobson
  • Sign in required

    Please sign in to your account to add a vehicle to favourite

  • Share this article

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has just added to its compact range with the launch of three models of the CLA-Class Shooting Brake.

The sports wagon is a new segment for the German brand and joins the CLA coupe range.

The Shooting Brake range starts with the CLA 200 with a 1.6-litre, four cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine priced at $67,400, $81,900 for the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic and topping off at $109,900 for the CLA 45 AMG 4Matic model.

The 250 Sport version has a 2-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque, while the AMG 2-litre version is powered up to 265kW/450Nm and sits on 19in tyres over the standard 18in.

The CLA Shooting Brake made its debut at the 2014 LA motor show, and had its Australasian debut in Melbourne today.

The CLA 45 was a standout drive

Driven tested the three models for sale in New Zealand with the 45 AMG the stand out of the range, thanks to its performance-savvy engine producing an instant acceleration response, reactive road handing and a personal favourite – a centre console located gear stick over a steering wheel gear stork for the seven-seed auto transmission.

Mercedes-Benz NZ expects the lineup will follow the CLA coupe sales here and the 250 Sport to be a popular pick with Kiwis.

The company sold 130 CLA coupes last year.

The CLA Shooting Brake is 4630mm long, 1777mm wide and 1435mm high and has 40mm more headroom than the CLA sedan, with a sweeping rear boot giving it a sports appearance.

It goes on sale in New Zealand on June 15 with Mercedes-Benz NZ expecting conservatively expecting sales of around 32 this year.

A Mercedes-Benz NZ spokesman told Driven that the company had five pre-orders.

“There is huge potential for the CLA Shooting Brake in New Zealand in its segment, especially with the CLA styling, and having the head room of an SUV … it’s stylish but practical and we’re expecting a younger buyer, like the rest of our compact range,” he said.

 

Keep up to date with DRIVEN Car Guide

Sign up for the latest news, reviews, our favourite cars and more.

By signing up for this newsletter, you agree to NZME's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.