Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mercedes CLA (Mk1, 2013-2019) review - What do owners think? 

Mercedes continues to slide down our Driver Power satisfaction survey’s makers’ chart, although the CLA scores on safety kit

The Mk1 CLA didn’t feature in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but the platform- sharing A-Class Mk3 appeared in the 2017 and 2018 New Car surveys, placing 69th and 56th respectively. It scored well for its exterior fit and finish, with the only other top 50 scores for running costs and reliability. All other scores, from safety and practicality to engines and infotainment, are outside of the top 50.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the latest 2021 Driver Power survey, the Mercedes A-Class finished 23rd out of 75 cars, although it’s worth noting that in the vast majority of cases the results are based on the current A-Class.

Reliability

Mercedes has been performing better since the Mk1 CLA went out of production. In the 2021 Driver Power survey of manufacturers, Mercedes ranked 13th out of 29, so while there’s still room for improvement, the result places the company higher than BMW (21st) and Audi (23rd). 

Overall, perceived quality is very high, but some cost-cutting is evident up close, especially on the inside. There’s an element of ‘paying for the badge’, but the CLA remains a premium product.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £25,149
Vauxhall Corsa
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,640Avg. savings £2,419 off RRP*Used from £8,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £8,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut
Dacia Duster - cornering

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut

The Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrid models now start from £23,345 and £26,715 respectively
News
4 Aug 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo - front tracking

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs

Has VW’s all-electric hatchback finally grown up? We get behind the wheel to find out
Road tests
4 Aug 2026
Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+
Renault 4 - charging fleetwatch

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+

Second fleetwatch report: living without a home charger means regular public charging, but the R4 is proving it isn’t as inconvenient as expected
Long-term tests
5 Aug 2026