[Truthiness]

Leaked patent photos show us that Mercedes-Benz is working on a new entry-level model for its GLA-Class crossover, the CDI 180.

A number of downgrades will make the price of this entry-level model more affordable. Roof rails, alloy wheels and xenon headlights will all be left behind, along with the dual exhaust arrangement. Also expect the interior cabin to have some downgrades.

Under the hood this model will have a Renault 1.5-liter engine that produces 109 HP and should get the crossover around 58.8 mpg US in fuel economy. This engine can already be found in other Renault, Nissan and Dacia models, as well as in the A 180 CDI.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 CDI is expected to come out in the first quarter of 2014.

 

[butterfield]

Europe only.

 

[AMGz]

Makes sense, they already have a CLA 180, so why not a GLA 180?
Plus these cars share the same or similar platform, probably doesn't cost them that much to make this happen in the GLA.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

Yea it is probably really cheap for them to put this car into production. Is it really only going to be going to Europe? Why not for North America?

Its basically a less powerful GLA. Do you think there would be demand for that in North America?

 

[carbonfiber]

Looks just like a GLA.

You mean they are planning a 180 CDI GLA....

 

[A.T.L.]

Yea it is probably really cheap for them to put this car into production. Is it really only going to be going to Europe? Why not for North America?

Its basically a less powerful GLA. Do you think there would be demand for that in North America?

there is demand
not everyone will care for a car with a lot of power, this will be great as just an A-to-B model. A lot of the GLA's demographic will be like that.

 

[carbonfiber]

no north america because diesel renault engine.