Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to hit the country’s auto market. The powerful and dynamic Mercedes Benz CLA design was borne out of the classic Mercedes-Benz CLS, which design concept has generated more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003.

Weststar Associates, authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, said it is set to introduce the four-door coupe of the CLA model. It said through a press statement made available to News Express that Nigerian drivers and passengers are bound to be drawn to its prominent features, which include the bonnet embedded in the front-end with power domes and the diamond radiator grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic “flare effect” for day-time driving lights and indicators. This light signet defines the car's energetic appearance and shapes a new Mercedes face.

According toDr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, “The CLA is a car that does not confuse mid‘range with mediocrity. Its powerful design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provides the CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The athletic impression from the rear results from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings. The tail lights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end, the horizontal orientation of the lights emphasising the rear’s powerful and aesthetic breadth.

A large panoramic sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look. The interior design also contributes to the very special feel of Class. This is due to the selection of high-quality and the available combinations of materials.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated silver-chrome finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel in combination with the flush-fitting silver frame of the extended COMAND Online multimedia system.

The CLA is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The rear bench seat emphasises the outer seats (2+1‘seater). Coloured contrasting stitching is available, according to the selected interior appointment options. A fibre-optic cable in the opening between head restraint and backrest is optionally available as part of the ambient lighting.

The standard equipment of the new CLA-Class is particularly generous with its air conditioning, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel plus 12 function buttons, steering column adjustable in height and longitudinal direction, green-tinted heat-insulating glass, Audio 20 CD radio with dual tuner, colour display and MP3- WMA- AAC-capable CD drive, six speakers as well as Aux-in socket and USB interface in the centre armrest for external audio and video devices. A colour display between the two large dials in the instrument cluster is likewise standard ex-factory for the CLA.

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines, sports suspension and the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.22) and numerous driving assistance systems, including the further-developed Collision Prevention Assist, which is able to warn the driver of an obstacle from a speed of 7 km/h and to initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal. Established assistance systems, such as the Blind Spot Assist and Adaptive High-beam Assist, are also available.

•Photo shows Mercedes-Benz CLA.