WHEN IT ARRIVES in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 will briefly be the most powerful model in the sleek four-door's line-up, until the hot CLA45 AMG turns up towards the end of the year. Until then, buyers will only be able to choose from the cooking engines: a 1.6-litre petrol and a 2.1-litre diesel. Despite its '250' tag, the CLA250 features a 211bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, with its 258lb ft arriving between 1200 and 4000rpm. That means it's good for 0-62mph in 6.7sec and a top speed of 149mph. The Merc feels as quick as those numbers suggest, but its four-cylinder thrum sounds flat and uninspiring, and an almost diesel-like power delivery means there are few thrills to be had by wringing it out.
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