The size of boot might be one reason to choose the GLA over the A-Class, with the 421 -
litre load bay comparing favourably to the hatchback's 341 litres.
At 377 - litres it's a decent size according to the standards set by regular compact hatchback models, but it significantly trails the SEAT Ateca's 485 -
litre load bay.
There's room for a pair of adults in the back and the 281 -
litre load bay is decent, while the 60/40 folding rear seats expand capacity to a maximum of 1,011 litres.
Not exact matches
The wide
load bay is capable of holding 460
litres with the full quota of 5 seats in full use.
For this 2014 version, Mercedes has upped the ante further, with a new platform underneath that enhances passenger space and boot space, which is now up to 1510
litres with the rear seats folded and has a wide, flat
load bay area.
Roughly half of that extra length goes on the
load bay, increasing the carrying capacity of the short wheelbase, low roof model by 200
litres to 5.2 cubic metres.
At 300
litres, it's a deep, usable, square shape, and the seats fold easily so it's simple to enlarge the
load bay to the maximum 1,146
litres.
Fold down the GLA's back seats and the
load bay grows to 1,235
litres — just under 100
litres more than the A-Class» maximum capacity.
There's decent practicality with an 85 -
litre boot (accessed via the hands - free tailgate) and folding rear seats in five - seater cars, while the design of the
load bay mirrors the «haunches» outside over the rear wheel arches.
However, the rear seats and windows have been taken out to make way for a separate, carpet - lined
loading bay with an 860 -
litre capacity.
The boot measures 690
litres, with seats - down
load space coming in at just over 2,000
litres, with a usefully flat
load bay.