There are literally dozens and dozens of GLA reviews on the net, many of which, whilst being very complimentary about the car in general, take the line that despite MB calling it their entry-level SUV, an SUV it ain't. It usually gets called a hatchback on stilts, or a just a large hatchback. Some reviewers bother to find out that the 4matic drive actually makes it rather brilliant off-road (watch some of the videos out there); others simply suppose that it'll 'obviously' be good for nothing more than normal roads in the winter.
One reviewer, however, reminds us that the 'S' in SUV stands for 'sport', and that the vast majority of so-called SUVs on sale today have nothing the slightest bit 'sporty' about them, neither in looks, handling or performance. In fact, if you take the AMG45 or the GLA250, both of which look fast and mean at a standstill, handle brilliantly when pushed, and go like the proverbial rocket on steroids, it is hard to think of a more 'sporty' SUV on the market today.
The 'utility' part of the package is obviously catered for by GLA's rugged features (e.g. large wheels, plastic arches, flat underfloor etc.), increased ground-clearance, flexible load-carrying spaces, and superb all-wheel drive capability, yet it would seem that to the man on the street, the term SUV requires nothing more for compliance than big wheels and a high ride, even if the vehicle in question handles like a supertanker and is powered by an elastic band!
Comments?
One reviewer, however, reminds us that the 'S' in SUV stands for 'sport', and that the vast majority of so-called SUVs on sale today have nothing the slightest bit 'sporty' about them, neither in looks, handling or performance. In fact, if you take the AMG45 or the GLA250, both of which look fast and mean at a standstill, handle brilliantly when pushed, and go like the proverbial rocket on steroids, it is hard to think of a more 'sporty' SUV on the market today.
The 'utility' part of the package is obviously catered for by GLA's rugged features (e.g. large wheels, plastic arches, flat underfloor etc.), increased ground-clearance, flexible load-carrying spaces, and superb all-wheel drive capability, yet it would seem that to the man on the street, the term SUV requires nothing more for compliance than big wheels and a high ride, even if the vehicle in question handles like a supertanker and is powered by an elastic band!
Comments?