The standard-specification Non-Smoker package replaces the ashtray in the centre console with a 12-volt socket and a convenient stowage compartment.

The newly developed 6-speed manual transmission, which has already been deployed in the new A-Class, is superbly tuned to the engine output, gear spacing and final-drive ratio of the new CLA and features short and precise shift travel.

It includes the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions as the engine is switched off under certain conditions when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition a display in the instrument cluster supports a particularly efficient driving style by providing gear change recommendations.

The optimised manual gearbox with longer gearing offers short shift throws, a high level of shifting comfort and a sixth gear with particularly long ratio. In particular on country roads and motorways the latter can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions in conjunction with a moderate driving style.

The 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, which was specially redeveloped for the compact class, combines comfort, sportiness and economy in a totally unique way. The 7G-DCT automatic transmission system is an automatic 3-shaft dual clutch transmission system and has seven speeds and a reverse gear. Both clutch operation and gear change are fully automatic. Thanks to the dual transmission, shifting to the next higher or lower gear is instantaneous, with no loss of tractive power.

Seven forward gears: The transmission system consists of two sub-transmissions, each with its own clutch. Both clutch actuation and gear change are fully automatic, thus allowing particularly smooth gear shifting without any loss of tractive power.

Three transmission modes: the "Economy“, "Sport“ and "Manual“ gearshift programmes that can be preselected using a switch on the centre console each have different gear-change characteristics and speeds. In "Sport“ mode gears are changed up only at higher engine revs and are changed down earlier than in "Economy“ mode; in "Manual“ mode drivers with a sportier style can manually shift using the integral steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Lower fuel consumption: the ECO start/stop function temporarily switches off the engine at stop lights and in traffic.

Extra comfort and safety: An ergonomic DIRECT SELECT lever as well as the cruise control and SPEEDTRONIC functions also form part of the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.

The diesel particulate filter filters up to 99 percent of the soot particles from exhaust emissions and does not need any additive. Filter regeneration is initiated by the electronic engine management and controlled by the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gas at the filter. The separated particulate matter on the filter duct walls is burned off at exhaust gas temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius. Filter regeneration is initiated by an increase in the exhaust gas temperature and goes unnoticed by the vehicle occupants and other road users.

The Direct-Steer system adds to the comfort of speed-sensitive power steering with a variable steering ratio dependent on the steering wheel angle. It gives better handling thanks to its enhanced steering agility and sportier and more dynamic cornering performance. In addition, less steering effort is required for manoeuvring at low speeds and parking.

In order to allow the driver to check, and where appropriate modify, his driving style for efficiency, the ECO display gives information on how economic his driving is and helps him to deploy a more fuel-efficient driving style, taking into account actual and selected constraints.

The ECO start/stop function reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine automatically when the car comes to a stop (e.g. in traffic jams or at traffic lights). If a vehicle is equipped with the ECO start/stop function, a starter/generator is installed in place of the starter. Intelligent control electronics allow the starter/generator to supply the electrical energy for the vehicle’s electrical system and, in starter mode, the torque required to start the engine.

The standard-fit suspension impresses with its comfortable spring characteristics and a tried-and-tested damping system for high handling safety.

The comfort suspension is characterised by sufficient spring travel and the best possible compensation of transverse forces. These are the prerequisites for comfortable elasticity. A conventional damping system is used in the comfort suspension . The tuning of the twin-pipe shock absorber was selected to give a ratio of pulling to pushing force of 3 : 1 on the front axle. This reduces dynamic deviation from tyre uniformity, which benefits the driving dynamics and handling safety of the vehicle.

The shift point indicator in the instrument cluster shows the driver the right point at which to change gear, helping him to change gear economically and efficiently.

The standard ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves driving comfort and safety. On the one hand it helps with braking in critical situations - within the limits of physics - using the basic ABS anti-lock braking system function; on the other, convenience functions support the driver in day-to-day driving situations.

In emergency or panic braking, specific criteria such as brake pressure or road speed trigger the activation of the adaptive brake lights. When activated, the brake lights flash to give drivers behind even better warning of the risk of a rear-end collision.

Studies have shown that drivers' brake-activation response times are shortened by up to 0.2 seconds when emergency braking is indicated by a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights. At a speed of 80 km/h this translates into a stopping distance shortened by about 4.40 metres. The brake lamps flash at a frequency of about 3 Hertz (if equipped with incandescent bulbs) or about 5 Hertz (if equipped with LEDs). This frequency range has proved itself to be especially effective in tests.

As soon as the vehicle travels at less than 10 km/h or has come to a stop, or if Brake Assist is no longer active and the vehicle deceleration rate drops below 6.5 m/s² for 150 milliseconds the brake lamps will light up steady again.

The adaptive brake lights are triggered when:

The driver and front passenger airbags help to protect the upper torso and head in a collision – as well as providing additional stability for the entire body. They can also mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a collision from a specific direction and it exceeds a given impact severity, the airbags are deployed.

The gas generators of both airbags work in two stages. Both stages are activated depending, amongst other factors, on the braking force registered. Depending on the predicted severity of the impact, the first stage of the gas generator is initially activated and the airbag only partially filled. If a higher severity of impact is predicted, the second stage of the gas generator is activated after a slight delay and the airbag is completely filled.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) can enhance driving safety, especially in critical braking situations. . When braking, ABS can prevent the individual wheels from locking by modulating the braking pressure of the individual wheels.

This ensures that the vehicle remains directionally stable and can be steered while maintaining maximum braking power.
In other words: ABS allows the driver to brake and steer simultaneously – allowing precise evasive manoeuvring – in order to avoid an accident.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) ensures that the wheels do not spin when accelerating. Especially when moving off on snow, ice and loose chippings, the acceleration skid control prevents individual wheels from spinning and the vehicle from sliding out to the side.

The system uses speed sensors to monitor the slip characteristics of the wheels. If the system senses a wheel is starting to spin, the acceleration skid control corrects the wheel speed by braking and intervening in the engine management system, thus reducing the wheel slip and wheel spin.

The ATTENTION ASSIST function is particularly helpful on long journeys and when driving at night; the system warns the driver if it detects signs of failing attention and increasing weariness. This driving assistance system can warn the driver when it identifies typical signs of fatigue, which in turn improves handling safety.

ATTENTION ASSIST continuously analyses driving behaviour and steering movements. If the system detects certain steering patterns that frequently accompany drowsiness, it warns the driver visually by displaying the "coffee cup" symbol in the instrument cluster at the same time as emitting audible signals. ATTENTION ASSIST can be activated and deactivated in the main menu of the instrument cluster under "Assistance systems". When switched on, it is active at speeds between 80 and 180 km/h.

By pressing the combination switch briefly down or up as far as the pressure point, the relevant indicator flashes three times. This convenience function is particularly useful when changing lanes on multi-lane carriageways, for example, as the driver no longer has to move the lever back into the neutral position.

Brake Assist can detect emergency braking situations based on the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed and assists the driver by increasing the brake pressure. The system interprets a certain speed at which the brake pedal is depressed as an emergency situation, and automatically builds up maximum braking power within fractions of a second.

Brake Assist is integrated into the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and uses its technology to adjust the braking pressure, thereby eliminating the need for additional components. A sensor permanently monitors the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and transmits this data to the electronic control unit.

If an unusually high pedal speed is registered, the system concludes that there is an emergency braking situation. The system then helps the driver to perform an emergency stop by automatically increasing brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders. ABS continues to precisely meter the braking power up to the slip threshold, which ensures that steering control is maintained. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, automatic brake boosting ceases immediately.

The brake pad wear indicator lamp warns the driver if the brake linings on the front axle brakes are worn and need to be changed.

Too small of a gap between vehicles is the main cause of severe accidents. The newly developed radar-based collision warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST can improve safety and ride comfort by warning drivers when the gap to preceding vehicles is too small and can support the driver’s braking when it detects danger.

When travelling at speeds of more than 7 km/h, the system can recognise insufficient gaps between the vehicle and vehicles ahead.
When the system detects the danger of a rear-end collision it can issue a visual and acoustic warning to the driver.

If the system detects a danger and the driver applies the brakes at the same time, Adaptive Brake Assist can intervene for good measure: It then provides precisely the right amount of brake pressure that is needed ideally to avoid an impending collision. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is an innovative component of the integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz.

If an accident should occur the crash-responsive emergency lighting makes it easier for the vehicle occupants to be rescued and supports the efforts of rescue workers. The interior and footwell lighting (footwell lighting only in conjunction with the optional Light and Sight package) can be activated after a short dlay, offering the accident vehicle occupants better orientation; in combination with the hazard warning lights, engine shut-off and door-lock release, this facilitates rescue measures.

In critical situations, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can help to stabilise the vehicle by applying a braking force to individual wheels, and adjusting engine performance.

If the ESP® system detects a critical situation, it applies the brakes systematically to one or more wheels according to the situation. Should the system consider it necessary, it will also make an automatic adjustment to engine torque. In this way ESP® helps the driver to stabilise the vehicle within the laws of physics – particularly when cornering and during sudden evasive manoeuvres.

The system provides increased roadholding when cornering at speed. If the standard-fit ESP® sensors register a tendency to understeer when the driver is accelerating into a bend, the stability program initiates a targeted actuation to the brake on the front inner wheel on the bend. This causes the vehicle to rotate slightly and smoothly around its vertical axis.

The effect: Not only is the vehicle easier to control and more precise in its movements, but the reduced risk of understeering increases active safety.

-The headlamp assist system reduces the strain on the driver by automatically switching on low-beam headlamps, tail lamps and number plate illumination when it gets dark outside. The assistance system performs this task even when it’s raining or snowing via a signal from the rain sensor.

The Headlamp Assist system uses a light sensor to measure the light level of the surroundings. If light levels fall below a certain level, low-beam headlamps are switched on. If the light intensity of the surroundings rises again, the low-beam headlamps are switched off again. The system ensures the necessary level of illumination for the vehicle at all times, contributes towards handling safety – in particular under rapidly-changing light conditions (e.g. driving into a tunnel or multi-storey car park) – and enhances the driver’s comfort.

A control button below the light switch allows simple, reliable operation of the electric parking brake.

The brake is released automatically when the engine is running, the bonnet and boot lid are closed, the driver's seat belt is fastened and the accelerator pedal is depressed. The parking brake is engaged by pressing the control button. This can also be done when the ignition key has been removed.

When the parking brake is engaged, a red indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up. The parking brake is automatically engaged
if the HOLD function brings the vehicle to a standstill,
the engine is switched off, the driver leaves the vehicle,
the bonnet is unlocked or the vehicle is still for a longer period of time.

The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. If the system registers a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the actuator explodes and causes the rear section of the bonnet to rise up by approximately five centimetres using spring force. This produces additional deformation space to absorb the impact energy, thereby reducing the risk of serious injuries.

The ISOFIX child seat attachment system is a quick, convenient, non-vehicle-specific system conforming to ISO standards. In conjunction with the TopTether anchor kit, it allows quick and easy child seat anchorage in the rear. Its fixed anchorage points ensure a high degree of protection in the event of an accident.

A special ISOFIX child seat engages in the attachment points housed in the lower area of the backrest. This creates a rigid connection with the vehicle structure, ensuring that seat movements caused by slack or incorrectly fitted seat belts can be avoided. TopTether is an additional safeguard attached behind the rear head restraints. It further reduces the risk of the child seat tilting forwards in the event of a crash.

The childproof locks can be used to prevent the doors and the windows from being opened in the rear. The locks are set manually for the rear doors and electrically for the power windows.

The kneebag on the driver’s side helps to protect the legs during impact and also stabilises the entire body. It can thus help mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect an accident from a certain direction and that exceeds a given severity, the kneebag is deployed.

The LED indicators, which are integrated in the exterior mirrors, improve recognition of an intended change of direction. This increases safety in road traffic.

The tyre pressure loss warning system helps to prevent accidents by alerting the driver to a dangerous drop in pressure in individual tyres. The system monitors the rotational speed of individual wheels and can identify significant losses in pressure according to speed changes. The warning is issued via a display in the instrument cluster.

The ASSYST service interval display computes the date of the next service based on driving style and shows it in the instrument cluster.

The standard-fit sidebags for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis bags) provide protection for the occupants’ upper torso and pelvis area in a side impact, and also afford additional stability to the entire body. They are thus able to guard against severe injuries in an accident.

In the event of a sufficiently severe side impact, the windowbag deploys to cover the side windows and reduce the risk of a collision between the passenger’s head and the side of the vehicle or of objects penetrating the vehicle interior. The windowbags are inflated at the same time as the sidebags (combined thorax/pelvisbags), as a rule on the side of the vehicle absorbing the side impact.

Once deployed, the windowbag covers the side panes between the A and C-pillars like a curtain. The window airbag covers a large part of the side when deployed.

The window airbag provides the following advantages:

The Audio 20 CD system provides entertainment while driving and can be optionally equipped with the Becker® MAP PILOT navigation system and an integrated CD changer for 6 discs.

Key features at a glance:

The exterior mirrors can be electrically adjusted from the driver's seat. The aspherically curved glass reduces the blind spot, ensuring enhanced active safety. The exterior mirrors are controlled with the switches on the driver’s armrest. These buttons adjust the angle of the mirrors, the mirror heating is activated automatically.

The heated rear window prevents the window from icing or misting up due to moisture, ensuring clear visibility to the rear. The timer adjusts the operating time of the heating to the outside temperature and the road speed.

The TIREFIT tyre sealant enables the vehicle to continue driving after suffering a puncture.  The sealant is pumped into the flat tyre using a tyre inflation compressor, seals holes in the tyre and allows the vehicle to continue on its way to the nearest workshop.

The power windows have one-touch control for opening and closing the windows. All the windows can be operated via the buttons in the armrest of the driver’s door. In addition, there are buttons on the other doors to control that door's window. The automatic reverse function prevents injury and damage when closing the windows.

The folding rear seats are split 40 : 60, and both back rests can be folded down separately. By folding the backrest down onto the seat an almost completely flat load area is created, which increases loading capacity.

The air conditioning system has a heating and ventilation system and a refrigeration system. A rotary switch can be used to set the desired temperature for the interior. Depending on the pre-selected temperature and the desired air distribution the air is heated, or if the air conditioning is switched on it can be cooled.

Activating the recirculation function means that no external air is blown into the vehicle interior. To avoid the windows steaming up, air recirculation is automatically deactivated in line with temperature and settings. Depending on vehicle equipment, holding down the air recirculation button closes the side windows and sunroof. Fresh air runs through the dust filter which improves the air quality.

The instrument cluster comprises two large circular instruments, each with a small round dial in the lower right-hand quarter. Between the two large round dials there is a TFT multifunction display split horizontally to show the information from the on-board computer. The round dial on the left shows the current speed and fuel level. The round dial on the right shows the engine speed and coolant temperature.

The instrument cluster has, in addition to the permanent displays (for speed, engine speed, fuel level and coolant temperature), the multifunction display, which shows control messages and warnings, operating status, information for convenience and the trip computer. The standard-fit ECO display gives information on how efficiently the driver is driving, thereby motivating him to modify his driving style so as to reduce fuel consumption. The settings shown in the TFT multifunction display can be modified using the pushbuttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The steering column is manually adjustable for height and reach, enabling the driver to comfortably adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his individual requirements.

The multifunction steering wheel gives you comprehensive access to a variety of telematics and vehicle settings. All the information relevant to the vehicle/journey is shown in the instrument cluster display. The multifunction steering wheel has twelve function buttons and a high-resolution 11.4 cm colour display in the instrument cluster.

The 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with twelve function buttons and display in the instrument cluster is operated via two keypads on the steering wheel. The left-hand keypad is used to operate the menus, while the right-hand keypad controls the audio and telephone telematics functions. The "Settings" menu allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as light and instrument cluster settings. Optional extras which are not fitted in the vehicle are skipped.

The right-hand buttons on the multifunction steering wheel in the instrument cluster can be used to select other settings. For example, the buttons "pick up phone" or "hang up phone" can be used to accept or end a phone call. And the volume for the radio and voice instructions can be set using the +/- volume controls.

The central locking system can be operated by means of an interior switch. The doors are locked automatically when the vehicle is in motion. In the event of an accident, all doors are unlocked by the crash sensor with the emergency opening function. The tailgate is locked automatically when the vehicle exceeds a speed of 3 km/h. The doors are additionally locked when the vehicle exceeds a speed of 15 km/h.

The doors are unlocked when a door is opened or the interior switch for the central locking system is activated. If no doors or the tailgate are opened for 40 seconds after the vehicle has been unlocked via the electronic key, the vehicle will be locked again. Upon the crash sensor signalling an accident, all doors and the tailgate are unlocked.