Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches locally-assembled 2021 GLA, CKD prices starting from RM232,379

After a long wait for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to roll out its range of locally-assembled compact cars, the German outfit launched not one but two new models from its compact family simultaneously, with the 2021 GLA joining the A-Class Sedan on the CKD front.

Like the A Sedan, the crossover is offered in GLA200 Progressive Line and GLA250 AMG Line formats, priced at RM232,379 and RM266,165 respectively. With SST, these figures rise to RM242,888 and RM278,888, which still represent a substantial drop in price of RM10,000 and RM17,000 respectively from their CBU counterparts that arrived less than a year ago. 

For the money, the GLA200 packs a 1.3-litre turbo good for 163bhp and 250Nm of torque under the hood while the GLA250 gets a peppier 2.0-litre mill with 224bhp and 350Nm of twist. In a straight line, the GLA duo dispatches the century sprint in 8.7 seconds and 6.9 seconds respectively, with the GLA250 having a naturally higher top speed of 240kph versus the GLA200's 210kph. 

Interestingly, the GLA250 AMG Line receives an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission while the GLA200 turns to Merc's familiar seven-speeder for power delivery. The pricier model also rides on a lowered suspension and bigger 19-inch AMG wheels. 

Everything else is textbook Merc GLA across the range, with brand staples such as Dynamic Select, Thermotronic climate control, Parktronic and MBUX standard for both models. 

Now that there's a bigger and more sensible price gap separating the GLA from the locally-assembled GLC, expect to see more of the smaller German crossover on Malaysian roads in due time.