Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe’s combination of good looks and acting skills put her in good stead in the nation’s movie industry.

The Edo-state-born actress attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School Ikeja, Lagos before proceeding to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, where she obtained the Ordinary National Diploma in Financial Studies and later enrolled at the University of Lagos for a degree in Theatre Arts.

The award-winning actress joined Nollywood in 2006, although she features predominantly in Yoruba movies, she also takes roles in the mainstream industry. The actress who is also a producer is involved in other businesses apart from acting.

On Friday, May 22, Aigbe took to her social media handle to post a picture of her latest acquisition; a Mercedes Benz GLA 250, which according to her came after much persuasion.

The actress posted a picture of her sitting on the bonnet of the car with the caption “After much persuasion, her excellency finally joined the Benz Gang. New Whip Alert.’’ The 2020 model of the car will be used for this article.

Overview
With its diminutive size and nimble demeanour, the GLA-class feels more like a hatchback than many of its crossover competitors. As the smallest and cheapest of Mercedes-Benz’s SUVs, its interior is neither as luxurious nor as spacious as you might expect for a vehicle with the prestigious three-pointed-star badge.

Plenty of high-end technology features are on offer, but the GLA has gone a while without updates. That means it’s less appealing than the newer A-class sedan, which boasts a more attractive design inside and out. A new, fully modernised version of the GLA-class should arrive sometime within the next year

One thinks the 2020 model year will be the last for the current-generation GLA before a new model arrives for 2021. As such, Mercedes-Benz did not make any changes for the 2020 model year.

Engine, transmission, and performance
The GLA250’s turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 208 horsepower and mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive (4Matic) is optional. While that doesn’t sound like meaningful muscle, the powertrain does a remarkable job of pulling the GLA250 around so long as you keep up the revs. During light-footed, around-town driving, the GLA feels sluggish. At a test track, the all-wheel-drive test vehicle managed a quick 5.8-second blast from zero to 60 mph thanks to its launch-control feature.

Due to the GLA250’s raised ride height, there is body roll when cornering, but otherwise the handling is sharp and athletic. The chassis is competent and lively during spirited driving, but when pushed to its limit, the GLA250 is quick to remind you that you’re not behind the wheel of a sports car. The effects of the firm suspension are a rough ride over uneven roads and the odd choppy highway ride. The steering is light but precise; however, extra heft in the wheel would be appreciated. Around town, the light steering aids maneuverability, so the compromise is acceptable.

Fuel economy and real-world MPG
The GLA compares favourably with the competition in fuel economy. It’s important to note that the GLA250’s turbocharged engine requires premium gasoline, but so, too, do the X1, the Infiniti QX30, and the NX. Over 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, the GLA250 4Matic managed an impressive 34 mpg, outpacing the aforementioned rivals including the hybrid version of the NX.

Interior, comfort, and cargo
Overall, the GLA250’s design is stylish and sophisticated, although some of the material finishes are less refined than what we’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz. Panel fit and finish doesn’t match the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, either. The manual tilting-and-telescoping column makes it easy for the driver to find a comfortable position, but power-adjustable controls would be nice at this price point. The GLA250’s cabin is on the small side. The front row is roomy enough for two adults, but the back seat is cramped to the point that rear head- and legroom are the worst in the class. For those with small children, this may not pose a problem. But if you’re expecting to take the GLA250 on a long trip with four adults, it will be a tight squeeze.

The GLA250’s rear cargo area is one of the smallest in the segment. If carting bulky items is part of your daily routine, be sure to do a test-run to ensure your items will stow. We fit five carry-on cases behind the rear seats and 16 in total with the seats folded flat. But the X1 managed to fit seven behind its rear seats and the Volvo XC40 swallowed an impressive 23 carry-ons with its seats folded.

Safety and driver-assistance features
No crash-test results are available for the GLA-class from US agencies, but Mercedes-Benz does offer a comprehensive list of standard safety gear. Driver-assistance technologies are available, but mainly as pricey options that drive up the bottom line. Key safety features include: standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, available lane-keeping assist and available adaptive cruise control

Pros

• Straightforward infotainment system
• Sporty handling
• Good fuel economy
• Great predicted reliability rating

Cons

• Harsh ride
• Slow acceleration from a stop
• Low-grade interior materials
• Minimal passenger and cargo room

Sources: car and driver, Autojosh, Wikipedia

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.