• Competitive levels of efficiency
• Discontinued diesels still prove to be cheapest
• AMG GLA 45 by far the most expensive

It won’t surprise you to find the now discontinued diesel-engined Mercedes-Benz GLAs are the cheapest to run, thanks to low CO2 emissions and respectable fuel economy.

Petrol and diesel mpg

The front-wheel drive GLA 200 d with automatic transmission is cream of the crop here, with fuel economy up to 46.3mpg. Adding 4Matic all-wheel drive means paying a penalty, with economy dropping slightly.

If you want petrol the GLA 180 is the only model that promises fuel economy over 40mpg – and even then only just.

Opt for the GLA 200 or GLA 250 4Matic and you’ll be getting up to 39.8 and 35.8mpg respectively. Meanwhile, the now discontinued AMG GLA 45 claims 30.1mpg.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA eco-friendly?

The GLA is heavier than the A-Class hatchback but not by a huge amount, while emissions are also kept in check courtesy of the Mercedes’ slippery body design – the German marque claimed it was the most aerodynamically efficient SUV in production at launch.  

Of the current crop of engines, the automatic GLA 180 is the most eco-friendly thanks to emissions of 144g/km of CO2, this rising to 148 for the GLA 200 (auto) and 169 for the GLA 250 4Matic (auto).

Is the GLA reliable?

Safety recalls for Mercedes-Benz GLA

Think Mercedes-Benz and inevitably you’ll think of quality, dependability and reliability. Sadly, it seems the GLA hasn’t lived up to those standards with the DVSA vehicle inspectorate indicating the SUV’s been subjected to five recalls since its UK launch in 2014.

Two relate to a potential oil leak, while the rest concern faulty control units, potential fire risk and the front passenger airbag not deploying. All of these issues should have been remedied by now, but if you’re considering a used GLA it’ll be worth contacting a Mercedes dealership in order for them to confirm the car’s records.

Parkers’ Owners’ Reviews suggest the majority of GLA buyers are happy with their cars and would serious considering buying a newer model to replace theirs.