2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA VS Mazda CX-5

Mercedes-Benz GLA VS Mazda CX-5
Mercedes-Benz GLA 2018 VS Mazda CX-5 2018
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA VS 2018 Mazda CX-5

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA:
Enthuasists may cringe at the term crossover, but the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class is not the bloated people carrier usually associated with that word. Despite being marketed as an SUV, it’s really more of a sport-oriented hatchback with a slightly increased ride height. And although it has been refreshed for the 2018 model year, its core values remain intact—why change what works? Mercedes-Benz found American driveways for more than 24,000 GLAs in 2016. Updates to the 2018 GLA-class amount to little more than a light freshening. Newly optional LED headlamps flank a restyled grille with crossbars that feature rectangular punctures like those on the larger GLS-class SUV. A revised front bumper with more-prominent fog lamps, revised LED taillights, and new wheel designs round out the exterior tweaks. Inside, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaces last year’s 7.0-incher; additional chrome brightwork adorns the door panels and the center console; and new, more legible black-faced gauges replace the 2017’s gray-faced units. Updates to the 2018 GLA-class amount to little more than a light freshening. Newly optional LED headlamps flank a restyled grille with crossbars that feature rectangular punctures like those on the larger GLS-class SUV. A revised front bumper with more-prominent fog lamps, revised LED taillights, and new wheel designs round out the exterior tweaks. Inside, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaces last year’s 7.0-incher; additional chrome brightwork adorns the door panels and the center console; and new, more legible black-faced gauges replace the 2017’s gray-faced units. The GLA has never been particularly roomy, and the 2018 model is no different. Front-seat occupants don’t have much to complain about, especially when seated in the Benz’s optional sport seats, but those relegated to the back may feel cramped on longer journeys. Fitting five adults in the GLA makes for an all-too-intimate setting that’s unpleasant even for short trips. The panoramic sunroof fitted to the GLA250 4MATIC we drove robbed precious headroom, too...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-mercedes-benz-gla-class-first-drive-review


2018 Mazda CX-5:
What It Is: A compression-ignition middle finger to the masses of virtually identical life-ends-with-children mobiles. Should also come with the bonus of meaningful steering feel and impressive road manners. Why It Matters: If the CX-5 diesel works as it should, it could offer segment-leading fuel economy and performance. According to a Mazda representative, the company’s most recent attempt at bringing a diesel stateside in the Mazda 6 ended with a tough decision. “It could be made to drive the way we wanted or it could meet U.S. emissions, but not both,” he said. “We wouldn’t accept that.” Mazda says it has solved that problem here. And so, with VW out of the TDI game, if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive diesel, it’ll likely be this one. Platform: Mazda mildly altered the CX-5’s platform for the 2017 model year, providing a marginally lower center of gravity. An additional 0.4 inch of track width increases stability. Competition: With VW’s presumably permanent diesel stop sale, Mazda could win buyers who can’t resist a modern oil burner. Kia’s Niro hybrid will offer similar or greater efficiency at the cost of slightly reduced cargo space and far less driver involvement. The rest of the crossover sea roils with choices lacking this CX-5’s efficiency, driving character, or both...
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2018-mazda-cx-5-diesel-is-a-car-worth-waiting-for-feature