Mercedes Benz CLA sedan might spark a new segment in India

31/03/2012 - 12:12 Mercedes Benz CLA, Mercedes-Benz Kaustubh Shinde

Mercedes Benz has officially confirmed that it ready to bring a whole new lineup of sedan into the world that will wear the tri-star logo. The new line is expected to be called CLA and a concept version is all set to blaze the Beijing Motor Show next month.

If rumors are to be believed, the CLA will be the new entry level sedan in Mercedes Benz portfolio sitting below the C Class.

The new €800million production plant in Kecskemét, Hungary will manufacture this model alongside the B-Class.

The CLA is being developed on the new modular MFA platform which underpins the A and the B-Class. The CLA will sit on the elongated MFA platform and will be offered in both front wheeled drive layout and all wheel drive layout. The styling is expected to be influenced by the new CLS.

A range of petrol and diesel engines are expected to be on offer with power ranging from 110 to 150 horsepower. A hybrid version and a range topping 300 bhp AMG version is also on cards. Both a seven-speed dual-clutch and six-speed manual transmission are expected to be offered. Look out for the CLA to bow sometime in 2012 with the car actually hitting showrooms in 2013.

The CLA is certainly on its way to India and officials in Mercedes Benz India commented on this development when we met them at a blogger's meet in February.

Mr Debhashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India -

We see a strong evolvement in the premium segment. In the 20-25 lakh rupee segment, of course we will see sedans, sports tourers and SUVs.

If the CLA comes to India it will spark a whole new revolution of affordable luxury sedans competing with flagship sedans of mass market brands. It will be placed below the C-Class which means it could be priced at 20 – 25 lakhs. Remember, lowering the entry barrier did work for BMW with its X1. Audi has also sensed this opportunity and is also planning an A3 based sedan for the emerging markets.

Do you think the Mercedes Benz CLA will find a lot of takers in India?

[Source: Autoblog.com]