The resumption of activities in the car industry seems to be bringing a flood of new models… as if these were all parked in the yards just waiting to be launched. Of course, during the two and a half months of shutdown, plants were not turning out cars so there must be a rush to complete assembly since permission was given to restart from mid-August.

Launched into the market today are the locally assembled versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and GLA, both offered in Progressive Line (A 200 and GLA 200) and AMG Line (A 250 and GLA 250). Assembling locally at the plant in Pekan, Pahang, means that the entry-level models can be priced lower due to incentives offered by the government. Depending on the model, reductions (compared to the price if the model was imported as a CBU) are up to RM17,100 as the following chart shows:

If the cars are purchased before the end of 2021, there are additional savings from the exemption of sales and service tax which is significant at these pricing levels. And because the models are assembled locally, the exemption is 100%, rather than 50% for models that are not assembled locally. So if you are keen on one, you have about two months left to get it at a cheaper price. Units are immediately available so you won’t be made to wait past the exemption period.

Returning to the new models, both are already familiar to Malaysians, having been available earlier. In fact, the latest GLA was introduced late last year but where the imported CBU GLA 250 had 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the locally assembled one does not. The A-Class Sedan, in its current form, has been in the market since April 2019.

Same platform and engines
Both models sit on the same platform with MFA2 (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture 2) which makes it possible for the plant to assemble two different bodystyles. They also share 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains – the A 200 and GLA 200 using the 1332 cc M282 unit with 163 ps/250 Nm, and the A 250 and GLA 250 powered by the 1991 cc M260 engine that produces 224 ps/350 Nm. The smaller engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission while the bigger one has an 8-speed DCT.

Though the A-Class began life as a hatchback over 20 years ago, the sedan version that was added in 2018 has gained greater popularity, especially in markets like Malaysia. The formal appearance seems to be more appealing to customers and though defined as a ‘compact’ model, it still has pretty good interior space and a generous boot volume.

The cabin has the modern, avant-garde look that characterizes the current generation of models with the 3-pointed star. A lot of attention has been given to the dashboard design and its integration with the interior architecture. The designers completely dispensed with a cowl and created a wing-shaped form that extends without visual discontinuity from door to door. The five air vents are also a highlight of the dashboard with their high-quality turbine look and meticulously designed air guidance vanes.

Intelligent and intuitive MBUX
Also present in all models is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The much-publicised MBUX system comes with standard features, but an owner can very quickly personalize the system with the wide range of options. The intelligent system keeps learning about the owner, enhancing personalization, and the software can also be updated periodically to provide new or improved features.

While the equipment of the Progressive Line is fairly comprehensive and includes extras like a Comfort-oriented suspension option, the AMG Line has sportier features that are in keeping with the high performance image of the sub-brand. These include the detailed grille and larger 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. Incidentally, all variants come with the same LED High Performance headlights as well.

Utility and variability
The GLA, being a SUV, offers more space inside and the occupants are also seated higher up. With ‘utility’ in the middle of its name, there is much utility value with flexibility to move people or cargo or both with variable layouts. The load floor is also height-adjustable and can be configured into a long, almost flat, space all the way to the front seats.

Both models come with many driving assistance systems which offer the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.

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