Mercedes-Benz GLA 

By Bill McCarthy

Selling more than a million models is a testimony to the appeal of Mercedes’ baby SUV. Baby is perhaps the wrong term. The smallest in the range, it is far more than a pumped-up A Class, on which it is based.

With its muscular stance, but still coupe-like lines and distinctive three-pointed star of Mercedes, silver roof rails and 19-inch, five spoke alloys, it never failed to attract attention.

This latest version is a bit higher and a bit shorter than its predecessor, but all models  are well equipped and goodies increase as you move up the range with this range topper featuring leather, heated and powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel and high-end sound system.

Like all Mercs it hosts myriad gadgets and gizmos, not least its clever MBUX entertainment system which now uses the latest augmented reality software and a comprehensive range of safety kit. It also features highly efficient and frugal petrol and diesel engines and other cutting edge technology.

The interior on this range-topping model is pure executive quality, with piano black and soft touch finish throughout. 

Five round ventilation units are meant to offer a turbine look, and trimmed in chrome, are a classy touch. The centrepiece is a 10.25inch touchscreen which is the brains of the car, connected to a touchpad on the central console. 

Unlike some touchpads, this one is not jerky and works well, operating key features like sat nav, infotainment and connectivity for smartphones. It also houses the reversing camera.

On this AMG model another 10.25 inch merges with the touchscreen to provide a cockpit style and to deliver key driver information.

 The standard MBUX system uses  voice control. It can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options for configuring screens and graphics and sat nav with augmented reality and learning software. 

For this to work, the camera in the roof console behind the windscreen records a video image of the surroundings. This, in turn, enhances the system with helpful navigation information. Indicator arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed on the image shown on the media display touchscreen.

The GLA features two petrol and two diesel variants, with this model featuring the two litre, 190bhp diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

It is an extremely lively and refined unit offering rapid acceleration, high levels of torque, 400Nm for excellent pulling power in all gears and lowish  CO2 emissions. Add to this fuel consumption of around 50mpg and that’s pretty impressive considering the car is carrying the extra weight of the  four-wheel drive capability.

This diesel is a refined unit with barely any diesel clatter while acceleration is very brisk, the car hits 60mph in just 7.3 seconds.

The increased dimensions means there is plenty of leg and headroom while the seats are comfortable and supportive, the firmish but smooth ride means passengers have a comfortable experience and despite its high stance, the vehicle always feels stable with a marked absence of wallowing on corners.

As an SUV it needs to be practical and the seating arrangements offer various combinations, while the 485 litres of boot space can be increased  to a maximum of 1, 420, while the sliding rear seats offer extra practicality.

While unlikely to spend much time off road, the four wheel drive offers extra safety, with added traction in poor weather. Actually offroad, power is transferred 50-50 to each axle, giving the capability of pulling a horsebox or caravan on and off a muddy field.

Other safety features include a full complement of airbags, standard autonomous braking to avoid a collision, exit  warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when  pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings, plus many more. The range starts at £31,465.

Factfile

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium

Price: £41,430

Mechanical: 190bhp, 1950cc, 4-cylinder, diesel engine driving all wheels via 8-automatic transmission

Max Speed: 135mph

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 49.6

Insurance Group: 37

C02 emissions: 130g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

Call for walkers to join Cornish trek for St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice is looking for energetic fundraisers with a passion for the great British outdoors to take part in a Cornish Coastal Challenge this summer.

The charity offers care at the hospice’s centres in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield and in patients’ own homes across the region.

The weekend trek, taking place between September 10 and 12, will follow the dramatic coastline of North Cornwall where the spectacular landscapes feature rugged cliffs, hidden coves and old fishing villages forming a beautiful backdrop to the blue sea.

The coastal challenge, run in partnership with the company Discover Adventure, is suitable for walkers of all abilities and is open to anyone aged 18 and over.

Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “The Cornish Coastal Challenge is a brand new addition to our list of Treks and Trails events and we’re looking for walkers who want to sign up and join our supportive team or come along with family, friends and colleagues.

“This walk will be a tough weekend challenge but it also promises to be a spectacular and inspiring experience in one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, which will give you an unforgettable sense of achievement when you reach the finish line.

“After a year when we’ve had to cancel our fundraising events and close our shops we’ve never needed our supporters as much as we do today, so you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that your fundraising has made a real difference to St Giles Hospice and all of the local patients and families that we care for. 

“It’s also been a year when we’ve spent so much time in lockdown in our own communities, so there’s surely no better way to get a real breath of fresh air and change of scenery by stretching our legs with an epic journey through some of the most fantastic coastline that this country has to offer. The event will be taking place in accordance with all COVID-19 guidelines.” 

Muteen Ahmed, (39) from Burton, has just (June 12) completed a Snowdon by Night challenge in aid of St Giles, which saw him and two work colleagues from GBA Group for Toyota in Derby climb the highest mountain in Wales to raise funds in memory of a friend who was cared for by the hospice.

He said: “I wanted to really push myself and to raise some money for St Giles because they gave my friend – who died at the hospice – absolutely fantastic care in his last days. When we climbed Snowdon it was a tough challenge, but we really enjoyed it and got a great sense of achievement when we made it to the top.

“If you can do a Trek and Trail challenge for St Giles then I would say go for it, the sense of satisfaction you get from completing your challenge and helping a good cause is amazing. 

“Fundraising for St Giles is so vital. It makes an enormous difference and you never know when you or your family will need hospice care. It’s important to know that they are there for you if you need them.”

Starting at Trevose Head, west of Padstow, Cornish Coastal Challenge trekkers will walk for 22 hilly miles to St Agnes Head – a challenging distance considering the terrain. The group will pass the distinctive beach stacks of Bedruthan Steps, as well as old reminders of Cornwall’s mining heritage, while Poldark fans will recognise some key filming locations such as Holywell Bay, with the much-filmed Gull Rocks visible offshore. 

Participants pay an £80 registration fee for the event and pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £600 for St Giles Hospice, which will fund care for patients and their families living with a terminal illness. Everyone taking part will receive food and accommodation, transfers within the trek, Discover Adventure leaders and drivers throughout the challenge.

As a member of #TeamStGiles, walkers will also get an exclusive St Giles T-shirt, a bespoke St Giles Hospice fundraising pack, a dedicated member of the hospice fundraising team to assist them with training and fundraising and a supportive community and team to engage with ahead of the event and during the challenge.

For further information about the Cornish Coastal Challenge or to sign up visit www.stgileshospice.com/cornishchallenge

For more information about St Giles Hospice and the expert care it provides, please visit www.stgileshospice.com

New Children’s Emergency Department opens at Good Hope

Good Hope Hospital’s new Children’s Emergency Department has opened its doors to patients.

The multi-million pound department provides 10 treatment cubicles, a new reception space and waiting room, as well as a quiet room and wellbeing room.

The entrance to the department remains in its existing location, with a new ambulance entrance and drop-off area.

University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, with the support of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, has contributed to the project, providing those ‘over and above’ elements which will help make the environment as comfortable as possible for children and young people.

Dr David Rosser, chief executive, cut the ribbon and thanked staff for all their hard work in getting the new department up-and-running at such a challenging time.

Dr Rosser said, “The past year has been really difficult and as a Trust we’ve seen the highest number of Covid-positive patients in the country, with Good Hope caring for many of these.

“The fact that the team here have been able to push through with brilliant work such as our new Children’s ED is a great achievement and I’d like to thank all those involved. It’s a real team effort to bring something like this together.”

Angela Birmingham, Matron – Emergency Department, added: “It’s a really exciting time to be part of the team and a good opportunity to thank everyone for their enthusiasm, team spirit and dedication.

“We pride ourselves in putting our patients and their families at the heart of all we do. Our new department gives us a brand new purpose-built environment in which to do this which will really benefit both our staff and the local community.”

Thai venue Giggling Squid announces opening date in Mere Green

Sutton Coldfield’s newest restaurant will open its doors next month, the owners have confirmed.

The new Thai tapas-style restaurant, Giggling Squid, will take over from former Italian venue, Gustos, in Mulberry Walk, Mere Green.

The chain, which began in the basement of a fishmerman’s cottage in Brighton in 2002, has confirmed it will open in late July.

Founded by Pranee and Andrew Laurillard, Giggling Squid now operates 38 venues across the UK.

A spokesperson for the chain said Giggling Squid has established a strong reputation for bold Thai cuisine, complemented by a stylish and relaxed setting. The varied menu comprises a competitively priced lunch menu and a more extensive evening offer, as well as separate children and vegan menus.

She added that their outlets are a true labour of love, and taking inspiration from Thai traditions and legends, Giggling Squid’s menu features vibrant, fresh and flavoursome dishes celebrating the abundance of exciting and exotic ingredients found across Thailand, all cooked by expert Thai chefs. 

Co-founder, Andy said: “Thai mealtimes are energetic, informal, adventurous and where food is celebrated. It’s relaxed and there’s no standing on ceremony. We simply want people to have a great time over something tasty! Every Giggling Squid has its own personal touch to it, and this restaurant is no different; it’s a beautifully designed space that we hope will bring a lot of pleasure to our guests. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

The spokesperson added: “Catering to the community during the new normal, Giggling Squid guests will still receive the same great food, service and atmosphere the restaurant chain is known and loved for, but with even more stringent health and safety policies in place, making it the safest place possible for all guests and staff.”

Giggling Squid is expected to open Monday-Thursday 12pm – 10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm – 10.30pm, Sunday 12pm – 9.30pm.

A wide takeaway menu will also be available for click & collect or telephone orders as well as delivery.

Discount grocer Lidl has confirmed that around 40 jobs, both full and part-time, will be created at its new Sutton Coldfield store when it finally opens.

A company spokesman has confirmed that the new store in Mere Green will be open ‘within weeks’ after suffering delays and sparking anger over increased traffic and pavement access.

Workers are busy working on the inside of the store, with completion set to be completed next month.

A Lidl spokesman said: “We can confirm that construction of our new Lidl store in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, is well underway and is expected to open later this summer.

“Once opened, the store will create around 40 full and part time jobs for the local area and we look forward to delivering our fresh, quality and affordable produce to the local community.”

It comes as discount rival Aldi have revealed plans and images of how a new store in Sutton town centre will look.

If plans are approved, the German giant says it wants to build the £5 million new store at the eyesore Brassington Avenue site, which has remained derelict for years.

The firm has released a computer generated image (right), of how the new store will look and says it will increase staff numbers to around 45 when it takes over from the current store on The Parade in the town centre.

That’s not all in the discount stores battle. In a move which is sure to create even more anger and controversy over increased traffic, Aldi look poised to transform the former Waitrose store on Belwell Lane in Mere Green.