Should You Buy a Mercedes GLA? (Test Drive & Review)
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- If you're interested in getting into the used car industry, check out the website below for more information on my online course. It's only £27 per month with biweekly livestreams! There are nearly 100 videos covering a whole range of topics. Plus you can cancel at any time. Click below.
Visit www.highpeakautosacademy.com or click this link bit.ly/3rNtNhG
Today I am driving a Mercedes GLA (the smallest of their SUV Range). Let's see what it's like.
Check out my website: www.highpeakau...
Check out the HIGH PEAK store: www.highpeakst...
Follow Me:
Instagram - / highpeakautos
Facebook - / highpeakautos
Twitter - / highpeakautos
I've borrowed this car from my colleague - it's listed on his website:
www.nickfordat...
Several people have kindly offered to donate some money towards production costs. If you would like to do the same see the Patreon or PayPal info below - thank you :)
Patreon: / highpeakautos
PayPal: highpeakautos@outlook.com
Equipment I Use To Make These Videos:
Main GoPro: amzn.to/2EAow5V
Main Camera: amzn.to/2VTKXc2
Microphone: amzn.to/2EAUwqu
Lav Mic: amzn.to/2EzvwA5
Laptop: amzn.to/2EywmNg
Secondary GoPro: amzn.to/2JEX76S
#mercedes #mercedesgla #gla #highpeakautos
Every 4matic transmission has a selflearning function. The way it changes depends on the previous owner's driving style. If it feels like it doesn't know what to do just reset it and drive as you would and it will use the first 40 gear changes to learn how you drive and it will be smooth as a butter.....
Really? How do you reset?
@@Weasel4Fun Turn the key to position 2. You should see all the dash lights come on. Press the acceleration pedal all the way down. Wait. Turn key to OFF, position 0. Release the pedal. Wait 2 minutes. Start the car and drive. But make sure you drive as you normally do because that will be the way it will expect you to drive it in the future. Don't go racing unless that is your style all the time lol...
@@the40thstep thanks, this will come in handy. I swear I did not know this existed and I owned Mercedes before and hopefully will again.
@@the40thstep I've never understood why they use these cryptic actions over a menu option. I guess it's to force you to the stealership but even then this is too a niche a "fix" to demand.
Thanks so much for this ! Owned a gla for 12 months and it's bugged me since day one how it's so hesitant at junctions and roundabouts . Brilliant advice 👍
I;ve had this car since 2018, 2019 model, GLA250... its been a dream for me. No issues. 60K KM on the clock. Service on point, planning on doing next oil change myself I have all the tools its just a matter of getting to it :D Transmission will be sent next year for inspection and fluid changes like brake fluid, coolant and TF
Wouldnt sell if for that price hahaha thats a bargain if you ask me... worth at least 20k pounds or half a million MXN
So from the looks of it, GLA means it’s just a ‘Generally Lifted A-class’ 😁😁😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Yes it does
I’ve watched this channel from almost day one and as your subscribers grow, your content gets better as you get more experienced and confident. Nice work Matt. Keep it up!
Thanks! I appreciate it. Cheers
I had one of these for quite a while and it really was a superb car. It was a GLA 220 4 Matic diesel with hill descent control as standard. I just liked the shape and the fact that it was not too tall - a cross between an SUV and an ordinary A-class. Looking back on the cars I have had recently, it was definitely one of my favourites. The new GLA is a great car but I just - for no rational reason - liked the first model. A Range Rover is a non starter for me as I don't have an HGV licence and it is too big, too ugly and too footballer's wife. )I don't have a Labradoodle, by the way). A good fun review, as usual!
I have one as a hire car and it's awful. All these small crossovers are moronic to be fair, so was to be expected.
Have had 17 cars in total in over 3 decades. The Mercedes GLA one of the absolute best for sure! :)
I bought a brand new one of these models in June 2020 and I love it. It drives lovely, looks great and is very well made. People don’t like it because they keep comparing it with Evogues etc, but it does intend to be in that market sector.
You can get these for a good price as well.
Frankly I think it's better than an evoque tbh.
The amount of times I have seen a GLA or GLB in my mirrors and thought " that looks like a nice big Merc, only for it to pass and I see the rear of the car seems to tapper into, well nothingness.
It's as if they spent 80% of the design budget on the front and then just designed a bland rear.
The Merc business plan from about 10 years ago was, "a car for every sector" then invent some new sectors!
I don't even care about 99% of the cars you review, I just like your humour...your mates are lucky. I'd definitely be interested in an E92 M3 or C63 review 👌🏼
Haha thanks for watching
True the humour is the best part of the review... specially when he doesnt like the car 🤣🤣🤣🤣
His human is unmatched. I don’t know how he comes up with it.
True, he's great at reviews plus he's a hunk!! 😍😍
Hi Matt I would just like to thank you for this review, after watching it I was able to buy a low mileage one and have to say it’s brilliant and yes I have two Labradors and live up a rough track in the Lake District ! Thanks also to one of your subscribers comments that suggested resetting the gearbox which I have done and the results are amazing the gearbox is now silky smooth with no hesitations. So once again many thanks keep up the good work. Really enjoy your reviews.
Great to hear! Glad I could help. Cheers!
Wdym resetting the gear box?
"thumbs up if you enjoyed it"?
Of course I enjoy these videos.
Many thanks, pal.
Take care.
Thanks! I appreciate it
We bought a GLA 220 4Matic AMG Line in 2015 and had it for four years. It was superb, my wife particularly liking it. Great to drive, reassuring on our Cornish roads and comfortable.
My quibbles: Sport Mode being selected by a silly button on the dashboard and even with a sunroof it was a bit gloomy inside with so much black trim. Apart from that, no complaints.
Bit of correction, the GLK came out after GLE (M->ML->GLE) and GL (GL->GLS) to fill the gap in compact SUVs (the other two are gigantic), and was later renamed GLC instead of GLB. The GLK was based on a RWD longitudinally mounted engine platform (the 1st gen GLK was quite good with those V6 petrols), whereas GLB is based on Mercedes' small FWD transversely mounted engine platform same as this one. Hence confusing the two really annoyed me, it's like saying C class is based on A class...
I have been watching this channel for a few months , looking round for a new car and found the open , chatty style of the commentary very relaxing and easy to listen too . Couple that to someone who understands that people want a rounded opinion of the car - what may break , running costs and alternate models to consider then this is a winning combination.
p.s. If the content is over 10 minutes long then then your tube monetisation starts to help supplement the channel
2 years later the car is very popular and has stole a lot of customers
GLB is suv equivalent of B class. GLC is GLK's replacement.
Another great vid!!! Always happy to see a notification from this channel
Thanks!
Im driving one of these for around a Year. Its a 2018 gla 180d manual (witch is even worse than the 220cdi in the video).
I lived my whole youth with a c220cdi w204 and when i switched into the gla, i got pleasently surprised: even if the car is a little bit less confy, and with less quality, the drive is good, the confrot is decent and it gives you a higher drive position than the old C class. The downsides are the fact that they cheaped a little bit, but considering the whole "new" merc lineup is made of cheap plastic, doesnt bother me that much
I don't ever remember I clicked a notification this fast 😂... You made me be brave to consider so many cars that I had bad thought about. Cheers
Speaking of Mercedes, how's your S-class doing?
I really like the styling of the GLA, they look great on the road. Can you pick up a new Peugeot 508 SW please, I want a verdict before I buy one?!
My mate has one and he loves it, i'm not too sure, it;s neither one thing or another, as you say , just a market filler. Like all car companies they are all fighting a style battle, and to be fair, nobody has won. The GLA is like a history teachers car, a steady Eddie, nothing more.
As someone who grew up in rural Scotland and never owned anything approaching the 'SUV' category it makes me chuckle to think that cars like this were built to "meet a need". No, not in the UK, it is more about style over substance. Top tip; a Ford Fiesta goes up a muddy dirt track surprisingly well, you don't need an over engineered 4x4 to get you home. Just saying.
I don't object to city dwellers or suburbanites driving 4x4 trucks, I don't object to people who (horror of horrors) live at the end of a dirt track driving one, but don't tell me that you "need" an off-road capable vehicle. You don't. A Citroen 2CV is probably more capable off road than something like this.
Good car for the school run and shopping? Yes. Good on the motorway? Yes. Let's leave it there...
That’s quite right. A decent set of tyres on a little front wheel drive car and it’ll get you most places
I think the Horsebox/Animal trailer to Market TOWING fraternity will disagree ...
@@notrut Meh, let them disagree, you don't need an SUV to tow stuff either!
GLA is actually the perfect car. More exclusive than the A class, better ride due to being jacked up higher. Bigger boot meaning more practical and easier to get in and out I have an A class of this generation and really like it but I think the GLA is a better car. I recently upgraded the tiny stuck on screen to a 10 25 unit which makes the car seem so modern. With the new screen the car is perfect. Don't mind the engine but I think its the 7 dct gearbox that doesn't help with the noise. But in honesty who really cares about a diesel engine being loud
My dad had a c class and considered buying a new gla but the merc dealer said to him the gla wasn't a proper merc compared to his car as it shared engines and other technology with nissan so he ended up getting a new c class.
Best choice
I thought it was Infinity?
@@MaximilianvonPinneberg nissan own infiniti the same way Toyota own lexus.
Even c class doesn’t look like a proper merc e class and up looks good
They’re Renault underneath now. Owned by nissan
The first generation was the prettiest. After that they all look like a Kia or a Hyundai
Mercedes should do a Maybach version of their smaller cars like the GLA and sort out all their quibbles. On the GLA they could address; road noise, no rear armrest, rear seats pitched too upright, rear climate control and engine mounted longitudinally. As the GLA stands its a great car as a petrol 4matic but too much torque steer in the wet without it.
No you shouldnt, you should by a gla amg. Thats the only way to properly do it
You don't see the point. Bro. This is the first Mercedes-benz that some of us can afford.
Well at least that needs a little space for tools.
And my apologies but you talked about the gas mileage. This is the best in the price range I found.
I test drived one, it's not worth the money I was disappointed on the noise and shake going over bumps, I'm looking at audi Q3 now
I guess I'm the oddball in the comments here, but I own a 2018 GLA45 and I love it. Super easy to drive in C and decent MPG but switch to S+ or R and it's a bloody rocket. The crackles and pops on upshifts and downshifts are beyond addicting. It flies slightly under the radar on the road for being an AMG, which I like. It looks like a sporty hatch to most people. Only minor complaints I have is the slightly cheapened interior with the plastics and the ride can be rough sometimes, even in C, but it's forgivable for being an AMG vehicle and it handles like it's on rails when pushed to the limit. I'm excited to own it for a while and interested to see where I can go from here in the Merc lineup, preferably staying in the AMG line.
I’ve got one too!
You’ve hit it perfectly, it’s an incredible car that nobody seems to get. Hugely impressed with it in every way 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Love love my gla amg. I think the body looks crakin. The exterior design is stunning. Turns heads with aero kit
I agree with Car Expert John Cadogan... 'Anything less than an E Class isn't a real Mercedes.'
I've seen them around in my NJ suburb outside of the city. A good city car that you can take to the mountains or carry some stuff up to your mountain home which is what one does when you live in NJ
I find your videos so relaxing - I just love to listen to you!
I've driven a GLA 220 diesel and a GLA 250 Sport. Both rode pretty well and the GLA 250 engine was very strong but it was a bit rough; I liked the GLA 220 with the 2.1 diesel that everyone bags the refinement on better - I thought it was the smoother engine actually. But interior materials on both were very cheap - certainly not better than a 2017 Kia C'eed (Cerato here) that I also rented for a bit. Still if I did country miles I think a GLA220d is a pretty practical and nice to drive little car
My parents have a GLA45 and it’s an insane car.
I like this segment of cars, small, good visibility, easy access, high up hatch, no need for the awd system.
Always look forward to a new vid even if I don't like the car. Always get a balanced and fair view. Keep them coming!
Thanks!
I find most of the people on this site are really knocking the GLA.Wrong.Just take a look around and see how many people are driving them and that includes Nissan Qashquis and Audi Q3s.Now why am i ranting about that because i went to check out the A class segment for the wife,who fancied one and i was trying to get her the new Nissan Juke.In the end we went away from a Merc dealer with a 2018 CLA Shooting brake.She loved the looks on that car and loved the fact that the boot was bigger than a C class.In the end its a matter of taste and out there the are enough models and makes for all to chose from.Sure you can have a go but when you see them selling,that should tell you that some people love em.I will leave you all by telling you that i must be one of a few that cant stand the VW Golf,yet all the world waxes lyrical about it.It really is a matter of taste and thank God we are not all the same in that.If i do have a complaint is that the A Class is expensive.When i got the wife the Cla shooting brake next to it was a 5 month older E Class coupe for the same money.I know if it was me which one i would have gone for.Still a great review as always and as always you get a lot of us talking for or against.Stay safe mate.
johnny wires I think they’re mainly successful and popular because they’re cheap and come with a premium badge
@@HighPeakAutos I find with the same money you pay for a GLA you can get a a same year C class.The car sales sites i have visited give me that impression.Thanks for the reply.
Speaking of the gla 45, I think that says all we need to know about Merc owners, because the sporty versions of BMW, VW and Audi I see quite often
I do have a bad back, a labradoodle and live down a dirt track, but I don’t get it either. Great channel, keep up the good work!
You have to live UP a dirt track for you to get it!
I always loved mercs because of their smooth ride, even knackered old merc taxis were comfy. Was in a new A class recently, it was really rough. Every bump in the road fed directly to your seat base.
That’s quite right
I bought a vibrant new ML350 some years ago fully loaded and it was a great car to drive. Luxury with practicality but guzzled Petrol. I was looking at these GLC/GLA Class but now would have the added expense of buying a labradoodle and a remote house up a dirt track! Good video again Matt and think RR Evoque might be more suitable for us from JLR. Petrol driven of course.
KEVIN ROBSON I always liked the old trusty ML. I think if you tell somebody at Mercedes what you need a car for, they will make one just for you. They seem to be doing that these days 😂
The GLA 200 d and GLA 220 d models were both powered by the same 2.1 Diesel engine with slightly different power outputs - This engine was pretty old and noisy, so it's no surprise that it was quietly dropped from the range in 2019..
Very informative. Sadly insurance for the evoque is crazy expensive for London so I can’t really have the car I want. So my next choice was the GLA. A more recent one. But I don’t know now after watching your review. Just off to look at bmw.
not entirely relevant but i bought a mercedes c class c180 kompressor avantgarde back in 2005 new and still use it now 15 years later! I've done well over 100000 miles and its never caused me any issues. Great cars! (Well i think so anyway!
That era of C Class were pretty bulletproof
High Peak Autos they really were! They have depreciated massively though as I wouldn’t even be able to get £1000 in a part ex! Hence why I’ve just kept it 🤣 Really is my pride and joy.
Boot space is measured in litres, so that you can compare two cars, not that you take it on its own.
Can you get a GLB on the channel? I know its only been around 3 years or so but would be really interested in a totally honest review of it!
My wife bought the 1.6 Amg line a couple of years ago, got to say I do like the change from my Discovery Sport now and again.
My mates got one of these and I was passenger when we drove from the Midlands down t' that new fangled London. Anyway it actually GAVE me a bad back. I hobbled out when we got there, so it's a 'no thanks' from me.
You should have stayed on the farm then...
I sadly failed to quote goodbye Yellow Brick Road correctly, Google the lyrics.
Having said that from my position the world ends north of the M4 corridor.......
Not sure about the other GLA's in the range but a GLA45 is a great drive and holds the road well, very nippy too, an underrated car. I don't think of GLA's as off road vehicles, don't think thats the point or intention of them, the 4matic versions hold the wet roads better and that grip works well in the 45. Also there weren't that many GLA45 built for RHD so probably why you don't see many. Its definitely a niche car but thats what appeals to some.
Matt, I think the boot should be measured in Pints
Another top video Matt .
I quite like the Mercedes E Class Coupe of the previous C207 Facelift generation 2013/16 . The interior is a bit dated now but I think the body is one of the best looking coupes with the pillarless doors .
As I'm older ' I like this
Tell me do they do a manual ?
Seats look compfy '
Nice to see that you are cracking on ..
Admit it, the red seatbelts won you over, you love it! 😁
I do like a red seatbelt
Yep. The back looks like a Hyundai. Not great for Merc image.
Bur it also means Hyundai has come a long way
@@instasingingvids3529 Indeed, but I suspect Mercedes drivers will probably not see it that way :)....
The Hyundai will be 100 times more reliable but people will still take this tragedy of a car on PCP for £400 a month....nuts...
@@mudskipper0075 Yes, but then they wouldn't have an excuse to talk about the huge cost of their 'Merc' servicing bills at dinner parties! Status is everything if you are a status junky. Meanwhile, back with the smart money ... :)
MartinJG100 touché...👍
Basically a Mercedes Sprinter engine, good for a million miles😎
It's nice on the inside but generally speaking I don't see the point, or have a clue who Mercs target audience was. I'd sooner have a decent spec diesel A class for less money.
So Matt saying the most awful things about a car is now the best way to sell a car? I have not heard of this style of sales pitch. Can you tell me more?
These are hugely popular where I live in China. Everyone seems to have a GLA, X1 or a Disco Sport (used to be Evoques, but they seem to have gone out of fashion).
I actually quite like them.
But, then again, I drive a 2008 Seat Altea Freetrack (very rare car - similar idea to this), which is ideal for going to the farm in all weathers, 4wd and winter tyres help go around stuck vehicles in the snow. Also, because it was only 1500 quid, I don't 'care' about it, so it can get loaded with all the mud and crap from the farm and I'm not bothered - 17 grand however, that'd be a different matter.
Like you have said before don’t see much point in these you either have saloon estate or if you want to sit up higher go all out for a range rover or something bigger
What size apples would you use to measure boot capacity though? I mean a standard Cox? A slightly smaller Russet? A Golden Delicious? You need to be more specific.
😂
Excellent 👌👌👌👌👌
Another quality video, Mr Bond.
Great video as usual, you never disappoint mate
Still after a few years I don't get a point why buy this car. I saw that all GLA drivers are ladies (at least where I live). When brand new it was criticised as underwhelming car (rather expensive also).
This trim also confusing: offroad intentions, with low profile tyres, bucket sport seats, red seat belts with column shifter and extra paddles.
Somebody give the guys on top gear this man's pH. No. And hint they might hire him as nobody else honestly comes near the down to earth... Ness..Of the reviews he posts... No bs on this channel,and honestly the most down to earth reviews of the weirdness of car manufacturers and how it relates to real life choices we have... Say it like it is.. A breath of fresh air in the world of second hand cars..👍
Thanks! I appreciate it
I think my measure of choice for boot capacity would cases of wine. Another great video.
Haha yes. I didn’t think of that
I have done my calculations, Matt 😊😊😊😊😊 Approximately ten thousand new subscribers every month so by my estimation you will reach that magic milestone of over 100,000 + around Christmas time !!!!!!! That will be a well-deserved Crimbo present mate. 👍👍👍👍👍👍 Steve
That would be nice! Cheers steve
Great video as usual. Do you think the mercedes brand is being too diluted?
For £12k for a basic high Mileage car or £17k for one like you’re driving it doesn’t make much sense to me but I’m not who this car is designed for. I’m with you I’d rather have an evoke too.
I can’t wait for the day you do a review of the Tesla Cybertruck...!
I love this dude reviews. He is so unbiased. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for pointing out how useless is dct in town like smg. Shame on MB for leting out any car from the factory equiped with terible gearbox like dct.
Good video, again. I watch everyone of your videos, let’s get those subscriber numbers up. There something great about real car, real world reviews with the subtle humour.
Thanks!
Beauty normally enjoy HPA videos anyway but a Mercedes one always goes down a treat! When do we get to see the S class barge HPA?
Hi Matt,
This car's appeal is the three pointed star....
I would buy a Mazda any day of the week rather then rubbish over priced car just to impress some strangers down the M5
As usual, your reviews make me smile even if the car in question may be better off in a kennel :)
😂 Thanks
My experience with an a class (not gla) was a courtesy car from mercedes whilst my c class coupe was in for its many repairs it had, got in the car and the accelerator pedal was faulty, you put your foot down and nothing, you let go and push it again and it would go, had to drive it in sport as it was the only mode that sort of worked to drive it home, luckily it was for 1 day and was a relief to give the damn thing back !
One thing that disturbes me about the A-class is that the headrests cannot be adjusted.
The enthusiasm from this guy is just rich.
Top-notch & polished review as normal Matt. May I also be the first to congratulate you on 60k subscribers mate. Kind regards as always Steve. 👌👌👌👌👌👌
Thanks Steve!
All look the same to me Mercedes now Matt my mrs drives the A200 amg for a 2.1 diesel it seems sluggish you have to floor it for it to realise you want some poke the gearbox changes up to quick even in sport mode ! First thing I do if i drive it is turn of eco mode and drive it in manual ,
It’s ok but Mercedes could have done a lot better and as for the four wheel drive don’t see the point as the A class was front wheel drive anyway 👍🏻
great vids all through the lockdown
Cheers
This looks more appropriate than the a class for its Roadmen ownership reputation
Great review Matt,i think the GLA is one up from the bottom of the pile,the dull Q3,same old,same old dreary neighbourly one upmanship
That’s quite right
I've just learned to NOT watch and listen while drinking a red wine ... it's hard not to spill it when Matt rips in to his reviews. 😂
😂 thanks
Class video keep them coming 👍
Really miss old car ranges like BMW Mercedes with very simple small medium or large or Porsche was even simpler
Quite a bit background road noise and it was disappointing to see a transverse engine.
A glowing testimonial......as tempting as it is for one to get get carried away I think you should reign in that baser instinct of the hard sell
I have one, mainly because it is a MB and the looks are great
I wasn't even interested in the car just love his comments ..funny guy
One correction, GLK is now GLC
Hey Matt. Bit stuck here. I'm looking to treat myself at some point. Got myself a Suzuki Jimny 2006 for work following your review (thank you!); now looking at a personal vehicle, but really undecided between the B-Class and GLA. Seen both your reviews. Wife has a Golf which she loves. We have two small children......I do like the GLA as it looks "jacked-up", but I'm liking the B-Class as well! Will opt either way for the 4matic option as I'm a fan of 4x4. What do you reckon? Many thanks!
PT’s and MUA’s 🤣 brilliant
Happen to know whether CLA is much, much stiffer than this one? Or at least, stiffer than the simple base A-class?
my only disappointment here was the video is just 8mins long! Liked, and looking forward to the next one. Thanks!
Hi Matt, I totally get ur cynical comments and why does this type of vehicle exist ? But they do, and Benz, BMW, Audi Lexus etc etc sell heaps of them. People buy them, even though a similar sized hatch or wagon would be sufficient. The higher riding, SUV style vehicle is extremely popular worldwide, and they sell heaps of them. Just like Benz, BMW, Audi etc, most companies have a massive range of SUV style vehicles nowadays. From a smaller size, such as GLA, to GLB, GLC, GLE, G wagon, and the large GLS. I really like the colour and interior spec of the GLA u reviewed. It looks great and premium interior. The all new GLA model is a vastly superior vehicle to the first generation. The all new GLA will b a much more popular vehicle and sell in greater numbers to the first generation of GLA. I like wagons, and something like an Octavia Scout would b something I’d buy instead of a GLA. But, I totally understand that Benz etc r going to build what is really popular, and what they can sell by the truck load. Thanks again for a great review. 👍👍