Larger, Better, More Refined

Larger, Better, More Refined

Mercedes-Benz's downmarket experiment with the first-generation CLA-class sedan may have been a commercial success for the company, but the car's compact size, brittle ride, and chintzy cabin bits all kept it from feeling like a proper Benz. Fast forward to the 2020 CLA250, though, and the second-gen model has been granted enough freedom to finally express itself as a real luxury car. The new CLA, which arrives at dealers in late 2019, benefits from moving up to a sophomore position in Mercedes's lineup, thanks to the introduction of the also new 2019 A220 sedan with which it shares its platform. Mercedes tuned the CLA's engine for good low-end responsiveness, accompanied by a throaty yet refined sound for a four-banger. 2000 to the window sticker. An updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic handles shifting duties and rarely calls attention to itself, save for the occasional clunky downshift and its somewhat sluggish full-throttle upshifts for a dual-clutch 'box. While not overtly sporty鈥攖he equally new 302-hp Mercedes-AMG CLA35 will be far more entertaining to operate鈥攖he CLA250 should still eclipse 60 mph in a touch over six seconds. The CLA moves with greater precision and refinement from behind the wheel, thanks to a firm brake pedal, nicely weighted steering, and well-managed body motions when tackling corners. Mercedes's new MBUX infotainment system integrates with Benz's latest touchpad-equipped steering wheel and console-mounted control pad, and we like its overall configurability and ease of use. 36,000, a few grand more than the previous model. But that seems like a fair tradeoff. While there's nothing about the updated CLA250 that we'd describe as exciting, there's now little to knock it for as an affordable Mercedes-Benz.

Keep in the trunk of your car to keep groceries together. Use for storing old rags or rugs. Use for general storage. Fill with glue, crayons, scissors, etc. for a portable arts and crafts box. Fill with bandages, gauze, etc. and keep it in your car as a first-aid kit. Store a box of crayons, small pieces of scrap paper, travel games, etc. inside and keep it in your car as an activity center for your child. Keep sewing supplies inside it. Take the lids from gallon jugs, paint black and red and use as checker pieces. You will need 24 of them. Make the plastic jugs into hanging flower pots by cutting a hole in the top, placing flowers inside it and then hanging it by the handle. Cut the bottom out of a plastic milk carton and use the top part to cover and protect growing plants in your garden.

Use as a scoop for dog/cat/bird feed. Wash and then using a funnel, fill with bird seed for easy storage. Cut a large hole in the side and use to put plastic bags in. Use as a place mat. Cut, layer and use as a wrist support for the computer keyboard. Using cookie cutters, trace onto a mouse pad. Cut the shape out and then dip into paint. Use to decorate your child's room or give to kids and let them dab onto paper. Cut into strips and place under heavy items so they don't scratch the counter or desk. Use as a cushion between wood and clamps when woodworking. Use to store change. Use as a pencil/pen holder. Use for temporary storage of stray screws, nuts, etc. found lying around the house. Use as a decorative paperweight. Use as a candy dish at home or work. Use as a "vase" for a bouquet of really small flowers (violets, etc.). Use the comics (instead of paper bags) to cover text books. Use to line the bottom of your tent (inside) for insulation. Place plastic over the paper to keep the print from smudging.

Fold several layers thick and use as a hot pad when camping. Wrap fragile items for packing/storing. Roll into "logs" for campfires. The thicker the log, the longer it will burn. Use spiral notebook wire to tie the log together. Retrieve the wire and reuse it when you are done if it's still useable. Make the above logs more efficient by cutting them in half and using yarn, string or shoelaces to dip the log into melted down candle wax. The wax-coated log will make for a good fire starter on damp days. Make it into a garden film. Clear an area of weeds in your garden, lay several sheets of newspaper down, and spread mulch on top of it. It will keep most weeds from coming through. Use to clean mirrors. Use any kind of used paper--computer, notebook, newspaper, etc. as wrapping paper. Personalize it with colored pencils, crayons, markers, or paint. Cut it into smaller pieces and keep it by the phone for messages.