Mercedes is giving the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake a facelift involving new bumpers, a diamond radiator grille in black as standard and new light-alloy wheels. The interior gets new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. LED High Performance headlamps, Hands-Free Access and further possibilities for integrating smartphones into the control system are all options.

The new efficiency champion of the range is the CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with an output of 107 BHP, which is available with manual transmission only. A series of consumption-reducing measures and smooth aerodynamics mean that its fuel consumption according to NEDC is a mere 3.5/3.6 l/100 km (figures for CLA/CLA Shooting Brake, equal to over 80 MPG). CO2 emissions stand at 89/94 g/km.

The facelifted version of the CLA will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show later in the month, while the modified CLA Shooting Brake will be unveiled in Berlin in April. Both models will be available to order from April and will land in dealerships in July 2016.

There is a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic, and the range of available wheels has also been significantly extended, while the interior gets a much slimmer-looking eight-inch display with a new-style glass cover. This is available as an option for the Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD systems. New-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments.

Loading is easier thanks to a Hands-Free Access option. This system allows the boot lid or tailgate to be opened (CLA and CLA Shooting Brake) and even closed (CLA Shooting Brake) without any physical contact via a motion of the foot in the area of the rear bumper.

The optional enhanced Smartphone Integration system allows the integration and voice-operated control of iPhones and Android smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto respectively. Selected functions can be operated using the vehicle controls.