Mercedes Benz CLC: new Sports Coupé with CDI engines in the low fuel consumption class
Published: 25th February 2008
Mercedes Benz CLC
With the new CLC, Mercedes Benz is presenting a distinctive model series at the Geneva Motor Show which provides an attractive entry into the Coupé family of the Stuttgart brand. Compared to the previous Sports Coupé, Mercedes engineers have newly developed or improved more than 1100 components.
Compact body dimensions and powerful proportions underline the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The front and rear ends have been completely newly designed. With its striking coupé radiator grille, which has a large Mercedes star at its centre, as well as the new projection-beam headlamps, the Sports Coupé follows the modern Mercedes design idiom. The large, newly designed boot lid conceals a variable luggage compartment with a capacity of up to 1100 litres. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs forming the third brake light and the rear bumper subdivide the rear end and accentuate its width.
The interior of the new Mercedes Benz CLC is akin to a modern bespoke suit – precisely fitting and comfortable. Sports seats with further improved lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim are standard equipment.
Mercedes Benz has put together a sports package for drivers with particularly sporty leanings. This includes exclusive technical innovations and extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with a black-tinted interior frame, a lowered sports suspension, a leather sports steering wheel and tinted aluminium trim. Another special feature of the Mercedes Benz CLC that has been adopted from racing sports cars is the instrument cluster, which has red needles in the speedometer and rev counter. When the ignition is switched on, both needles spin right around the scale once then return to their starting position.
Another standard feature of the sports package is the new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile handling of the CLC and represents a major safety benefit. This new development is based on the speed-sensitive steering system, and also has an additional, variable rack ratio which responds to the steering angle.
The new Mercedes Benz CLC is available with a choice of four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines developing outputs from 122 hp to 272 hp. With its up-to-date turbodiesel engines, the Sports Coupé has excellent fuel consumption: the CLC 200 CDI is happy with 46.3 to 48.7 mpg, i.e. up to 10.8 percent less than the preceding model. The CDI models are capable of a range exceeding 600 miles with one tankful (62 litres). The 184 hp power unit of the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now has 20 hp more output, and consumes only 34.4 – 36.2 mpg – up to 1.2 mpg better than before.
Mercedes Benz CLC-Class
Our Mercedes Benz CLC-Class Guide lists the full specification of the current UK CLC-Class range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £19,920 - £27,240
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 10
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
