By: IOL Motoring Staff
We're not sure if the world ever asked for a Shooting Brake version of the CLA, but since Mercedes-Benz and BMW seem intent on filling just about every niche that exists, we might as well sit back and admire the variety on offer.
That said, the new CLA Shooting Brake is perhaps just too much of a niche player to warrant local introduction as Mercedes-Benz SA has informed us that it's not destined for our shores at all.
So what are we missing out on then?
Like its larger CLS Shooting Brake sibling, this new version of the CLA is essentially a wagon that wants to be a coupé and as a result you'll see some sporty design cues in its profile like a high beltline and gently sloping roofline.
Yet even if you put the "I'm different" appeal to one side, there is also a practical reason for opting for the CLA Shooting Brake. Mercedes-Benz says the roofline gives it 4cm more rear headroom than what's on offer in the CLA four-door coupé, and ingress is also easier.
With the seats in their normal position the SB offers 25 litres more luggage room, at 495, but put the back seats into the steeper 'cargo' position and you'll squeeze in 595 litres worth of baggage while still transporting five occupants. Evict the backseat drivers and you could fold the rear seats and accommodate 1354 litres. An electrically operated Easy-Pack tailgate is also on offer to make life even easier.
European customers can choose from the familiar array of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 90kW to 155kW in 'normal' models, which also offer the option of 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Then there's the not-so-normal CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake, fitted with the division's potent 265kW/450Nm 2-litre turbopetrol and good for a 4.7-second 0-100km/h sprint.
So… would you beg Mercedes-Benz to bring this wild wagon our way or does the current CLA/A-Class family already offer enough variety?