In Europe, the Mercedes-Benz CLA can be ordered with one of the brand’s trusty 2.1-liter diesel engines. That puts out 167 hp and returns 4.5 l/100km / 52.3 mpg US / 62.7 mpg UK, making the CLA 220 CDI the most efficient model in the range. It’s also kind of zippy, sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 230 km/h (144 mph) – the latter is undoubtedly helped by the streamlined shape.
However, Car&Driver reports that there are no plans whatsoever to bring it to US dealerships. As usual, it’s the higher costs associated that are to blame, as well as the necessity of fitting an urea-injection system to – Mercedes apparently doesn’t see it as a feasible prospect, since it would only sell in limited numbers and not justify the extra investment.
The same report also draws attention towards the upcoming GLA crossover. It states that while the chance of it having a diesel option are marginally better due to the nature of the vehicle, the very same hurdles apply, so it’s not a sure thing either.
By Andrei Nedelea
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