He is the test driver for our blog.Mr. TAKURO.had bought a Mercedes-AMG GLA35 at the end of the year, and I was shown it early in the new year.

Mercedes-AMG GLA35

Speaking of the current GLA.My brother owns a GLA200d 4MATICI have done so and have been allowed to drive it several times. Besides, I also bought its sibling, the GLB200d 4MATIC, last year, so I'm not sure how it differs from that one orI would like to report on the differences with Porsche's Macan.I think.

exterior

First of all, the exterior design could be described as a "GLB coupe," with an overall rounded design. The color is white, and expansive colors such as white go well with such a rounded design.

The difference between the regular model and theThe first thing that can be recognized at a glance is the Panamericana grille on the front.Unlike the regular model, this one has a vertical grille, which asserts at a glance through the rearview mirror that it is an AMG model when approaching from behind.

I look to the rear of the house.The "AMG" emblem is on the left side of the normal model with the grade emblem, and the "GLA35" and grade emblem are on the right side.is one of the major differences.

Also, although very confusing because of the similarity in design, theWheels are also different from those of the regular AMG line, and are exclusive to the AMG modelThis is another difference from the regular model.

Compared to the GLB, the size is almost the same in terms of overall width, etc.The wheelbase is 100 mm shorter on the GLA and thus the overall length is more than 200 mm shorter.The overall height of the GLA is also lower by about 80 mm, giving it a sportier design.

interior

The interior, as is typical of AMG models, was equipped with an exclusive AMG steering wheel and, for this particular model, optional bucket-type AMG performance seats.

This sheet looked and felt hard.When you actually sit down, it holds very well and the cushion is thick enough.Originally, this leather used for GLA and GLB is slippery, but because both the seat and back are highly supportive, it is also resistant to slipping even when subjected to lateral G-forces.

The interior design is very similar to that of the GLB; the only difference between the GLA and the GLB is that the GLA does not have the aluminum decorations around the steering wheel and above the glove box.

The rear seats, for example, are similar to those in the GLB.The living space is almost the same, or slightly smaller in the GLA.I think it's a good idea.

When I started running...

When I started the engine normally, it was not as bombastic as one would expect from an AMG. Rather, I was even surprised to find that it is very similar in volume and sound quality to our GLB200d.

In addition, theSince it is an AMG model, the "AMG Emotion Start" can be used.When the engine is started while pulling either of the paddle switches, the engine wakes up with a brave sound, just like AMG.

When I put it in D range and started driving, it was so similar that at slower speeds in a parking lot, I couldn't tell if I was driving a GLB200d or not. The torque delivery, acceleration, and AT control were very similar.

Then, they leave the parking lot and accelerate slowly. Then.The first thing you'll notice is the difference in suspension.It is. Although the knocks on the road convey their presence more clearly than in the regular model, the suspension moves and absorbs them so well that there is no discomfort whatsoever.

It simply has a knacky feel to it.

However, theThis feeling may be a little uncomfortable for those who have been driving soft-footed domestic cars for many years.So, be careful. If you expect that the ride should be comfortable because it is an AMG, a high-end grade of Mercedes-Benz, you will fail.

AMG is only a sports car and should be considered a comfortable ride.So, it is clear that at speeds where the car is driven on ordinary roads, the regular model 200d, for example, is better, simply because of its low NVH.

In addition, theThe owner, Mr. Takuro, bought this car for his wife, and she likes it very much, including the ride quality.Yes, it is. The wife used to drive a Golf 7 Golf R, so I think she feels comfortable with the moderate hardness of this AMG.

Incidentally, I personally have no problem with this ride quality considering it is a private car for my own personal use. In fact, I think the ride is comfortable and the feeling of this suspension is desirable.

On the other hand, what bothered me a little was the amount of shaking when driving at high speed on a large undulating road surfaceIt is. This is a comparison to my own GLB200d, but it is probably due to the tighter suspension, stabilizers, and longer wheelbase.

The slightly swaying range from side to side is larger, which may bother some people with a large group, especially in the rear seats.

Try it on a winding road.

When going around a curve, the movement is clearly different from that of the normal model.There is little slack in the steering response, and it responds as much as you turn it off.This is a clear difference from the regular model.

The engine becomes more powerful and louder from the mid-range RPM range.The pleasure of turning this engine can never be experienced in a diesel model.The sound and steering response increases the driver's tension, and the car handles one looming curve after another in a fluid manner.

On the way.Operate the steering switch and put it in Sport Plus mode. Then the GLA35 changes drastically.In normal or Sport mode, the car feels like a rather sporty Mercedes, but when the car is in Sport Plus, the impression is even stronger and enters the realm of a sports car.

Obviously, the engine noise increased, and the "AMG Speedshift DCT 8GThe sharpness of the shifting of the gears in "Boom! The sound of the engine and the upshifting sound of the gearshift is very pleasant. is a very pleasant sound when shifting up a gear. This too cannot be experienced with regular diesel models.

The steering response is also enhanced, making it very easy to understand the road surface conditions and the direction of the tires. In this mode, the car feels completely like a sports car and is very enjoyable to drive.

While the ride is distinctly stiffer, the control of this electronically controlled suspension is very impressive. There is no pretense of bouncing despite the stiffness, and the tires continue to press firmly against the road surface in all situations.

It is very fun to drive.

I talked with the owner, Mr. Takuro, as I drove, and he told me that although the driving pleasure is not as good as that of the previous-generation Macan in terms of Porsche, it is still a very enjoyable driving experience.It's almost as much fun as the mid-term Macan.He told me that he had a lot of experience with cars. He has experienced many cars, so I think this impression is not wrong.

As for power, the level of power is such that no more is needed in Japan.Fast enough.Mr. Takuro also said that he had hesitated between the GLA45 and the 35, but decided to go with the 35 because he did not need that much fun and power. If you are looking for a car for serious driving, the 45 may be the right choice, but if you are looking for a balance between daily use and sportiness, the 35 is a good choice.

Sohyo (General Council of Trade Unions of Japan)

This car is great for those who want to do everything in one car!I think this is the car for you. It is a car that meets the needs of those who want to enjoy the driving experience of a full-fledged sports car, who want to drive in narrow urban areas without worrying about the width of the car, and who want to carry five people when the need arises.

For our family's use, we chose a 7-seater GLB because we have many children, and a 200d instead of an AMG because we have other sports cars.

There are many sporty SUVs in the world, but I think this is one of the very best in terms of chassis, power balance, and design philosophy.