Mercedes-Benz starts sales of new CLC Sports Coupe | Hatchbacks

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Mercedes-Benz starts sales of new CLC Sports Coupe

Written by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Mercedes-Benz today released for sale its newest entry to the Australian lineup, the new CLC-Class Sports Coupe. A stand-alone model positioned at the entry-level price point with unique, though familial, styling make the CLC a standout in the Mercedes lineup despite its affordability.

The local lineup will consist of the entry-level CLC 200 Kompressor, the midrange CLC 200 Kompressor Evolution and the top end Evolution +. All models come generously equipped with a number of standard safety and comfort features, including ESP electronic stability control, side and curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers and a parking assistance system.

Pricing and Specifications
The entry level model starts at $49,990 – undercutting BMW’s 1-series coupe by almost $5,000 – and is followed by the midlevel Evolution at $53,900 and range topping Evolution + at $58,988 (including 33% LCT). Unlike BMW’s 1-series coupe, which comes equipped with six-cylinder engines, the new CLC range relies on the familiar four-cylinder 1.8-litre Kompressor engine, rated at 135kW and 350Nm of torque.

Fuel efficiency is good, with a 0.6L/100km improvement to8.4L/100km in automatic guise, while the manual-transmission model requires just 7.8L/100km in the combined cycle, which constitutes a 10% improvement over the previous C-Class sports coupe. The five-speed automatic is standard equipment, but a six-speed manual can be optionally fitted at no extra cost. In the Evolution and Evolution + models, the automatic gearbox can be shifted with steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Styling updated to match new model range
Like most of the mechanical underpinnings, the front end styling of the CLC is also shared with the new C-Class. The sports coupe features an almost identical grille and headlight design to the sedan. That’s where most of the similarities end, however, as the new CLC is actually heavily based on the mechanicals of the outgoing model. Mercedes says that around 1,100 components are either CLC-specific or refined from the previous generation, with most of the changes designed to improve the car’s handling and safety.

Opting for the Evolution trim for an extra $4,000 over the base model delivers a host of premium features not normally found in this price range. This includes speed-sensitive power steering, cornering Bi-Xenon headlights, 17” alloy wheels, aluminium sports pedals and chrome trim.

Upgrade to the Evolution + model and the car also features a glass panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, fully adjustable electric seats for both the driver and front passenger and maple wood trim.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC gallery

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