Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class 200K Coupe 2008 Review

OVERVIEW
Well-due and well-deserved, this update for the C-Class Sports Coupe brings a restyle, enhanced driving dynamics and a new name for Mercedes-Benz's cheapest sporty.

Now dubbed the CLC-Class, the coupe seeks to continue its W203 equivalent's success story. The first Benz Sports Coupe logged 300,000-plus sales worldwide, around 70 per cent of those brand conquests and prompted 40 per cent to return 'downstream' to upgrade to 'bigger' Benzs.

The brand's top-flight CL and four-door CLS coupe models have inspired the CLC's styling and the new model has earned equipment and other revisions in keeping with its more indulgent siblings. The smallest coupe among the range also required a fresh look to keep a family connection to the all-new C-Class line-up.

The CLC maintains market positioning of the previous Sports Coupe -- that is, at the entry-level of luxury sports car ownership, starting from $50K. No doubt its relatively affordable price point plays a large part of the car's attraction, but M-B hasn't skimped on equipment and is offering some high-end options to boot.

The company expects the CLC's sharp pricing and packaging will offset any complaints about the car's 'carryover' mechanicals. Benz argues that with the restyle and rework, buyers will happily tolerate what they claim is a "well-regarded chassis". With sales projections strong and demand high for a replacement model, they may have a point.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Mercedes-Benz's local outfit has aimed for an "attractive price packaging philosophy" for the CLC. Both the entry 200K model and the mid-spec 200K Evolution start under the Luxury Car Tax, at $49,900 and $53,900 respectively. The range-topping 200K Evolution+ starts at $58,988 -- 33 per cent LCT included.

Local buyers are offered one engine option (see below), matched to a five-speed automatic with paddle shift for the up-spec models. A six-speed manual is also available.

From the entry model up, the CLC's standard features include sports suspension, climate control, park assist, multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch alloys. Evolution and Evolution+ models come with M-B's Direct Steer (see under 'MECHANICAL') and bi-xenon headlights as standard. The Evolution CLCs are also fitted with 17-inch alloys, but of a different design (five twin-spoke) than the 200K's.

The top-spec Evolution+ also gains an upgraded climate control system, front passenger seat settings memory function and the striking glass panoramic roof -- as seen on the AMG'd models and now an "iconic styling element", according to the maker.

CLC's options list includes premium 12-speaker sound system, AMG wheels and Comand infotainment/satnav system with M-B's clever Linguatronic voice activated operation.

MECHANICAL
Best sales performer of the previous range, the 200 Kompressor is now the sole engine offering for local CLC customers “at this stage”. M-B Australia is working on a diesel option but it's unlikely we'll see a larger petrol version due to the CLC's price positioning, and the fact the previous V6 model wasn't a big seller.

The 200K's 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol unit was revised for the new C-Class range and the coupe benefits from its new-found urge and improved refinement. Now good for 135kW/250Nm compared to 120kW/240Nm, M-B says revisions to the engine include uprated blower and pistons.

The extra kilowatts shave half a second off the CLC's 0-100km time; now at 8.6sec.

The engine is also slightly more frugal, according to ADR 81/01 figures for the auto-equipped model of 8.4L/100km. Peak power is at 5500rpm while top torque is spread from 2800-5000rpm.

The Evolution and Evolution+ models are fitted with M-B's Direct Steer system as standard. The feature is based on the speed sensitive power steering system, using a variable steering rack ratio to provide assistance in cornering. Mercedes argues the feature improves handling safety in instances such as evasive action because steering response requires less input from the driver.

The CLC's braking system uses front ventilated and solid rear brake discs, and incorporates ABS, brake assist function and stability control.

PACKAGING
Essentially a rework of the outgoing Sports Coupe introduced in 2001, the Brazilian-built CLC aims to lift Benz's small two-door to the level of the coupes higher in the family. To that end, the CLC wears a more expressive exterior than the previous model, including wider radiator grille and air intake, updated front and tail lights and "diffuser look" for the rear.

Benz's latest bolder, v-shaped front-end styling has been applied to the CLC, while the restyle for the rear includes a redesigned hatch, with integrated brake light and boot-lid lip, rather than separate wing like the outgoing version.

Interior-wise the Coupe gets new sports seats and three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The entry model comes with Artico (manufactured 'leather') trim and cloth, and the up-spec models are available with full Artico trim in a choice of colours (black, grey or 'cognac' brown).

The higher-spec models also receive interior trim embellishments, in either brushed aluminium for the Evolution or black bird's-eye maple timber trim elements for the Evolution+ version.

Those familiar with the W203 will recognise the dashboard although updates such as the new steering wheel and fancy, take-or-leave chequerboard effect for the instrument cluster on the Evolution models go some way to freshening the 'new' Coupe's interior.

This is entry-level Benz, however, and there's evidence of the cheaper tack for some of the interior fit, such as Hyundai-esque interior door handles, flimsy lining under the sunroof and lack of a real leather trim option.

Purchasers should note that like an increasing number of coupes (1 Series, 3 Series, CLK, etc) the CLC has rear seating for two only.

As noted in our international launch review (more here), the CLC is longer (109mm) and slightly heavier (15kg) than the outgoing Coupe.

SAFETY
CLC comes with adaptive front airbags, front and rear side airbags and windowbags, which act like curtain airbags running from the A to C-pillars, taking the count to eight. Seatbelts are the pre-tensioning type with belt-force limiters.

Stability control and brake assist are also standard; combined with ASR (acceleration skid/slip control/regulation, or simply, traction control).

EuroNCAP has not tested the CLC-Class, nor the donor Sports Coupe.

COMPETITORS
Closest on coupe style and badge cache, if not price, are BMW's 323i and 125i coupes -- starting at around $55,000 and $71,000 respectively.

Depending on where you align the 3 Series two-door models (ie against CLC or the upmarket CLK), you might also like to include Audi's A5. Note, however, the cheapest, yet-to-arrive 1.8-litre T FSI Multitronic version is expected to cost close to $70K and won't be here 'til 2009.

Perhaps upper-spec versions of the A3 are a better comparison -- the cute A3 Cabrio provides a very different package but could appeal to similar sentiments at a starting price from $49,990 for the 1.8-litre Attraction variant with six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission (Audi's version of DSG).

Alfa Romeo's GT 125 JTS coupe starts at $52,990 and provides some Latin charm and seats for four. The Peugeot 407 coupe is almost $70K and as such is in the same fiscally challenged boat as the BMW and A5.

Otherwise left to cruise about, this is a sedate and simple drive, aided by composed, absorbent ride and solid handling.

Applied to the up-spec models, M-B's Direct Steer feature is simple but effective. Steering turn-in at ten-tenths is noticeably different between the entry model and Evolution version, giving the small sporty a more mature feel. As Benz suggests: certainly confidence inspiring.

Interior-wise the Coupe is comfortable behind the wheel and spacious up front for both passengers, with good legroom and shoulder room. The W203's dash is now old, but was always well laid out with 'shared' comfort controls easy to access by either front occupant.

Over a (fair) few kilometres the Coupe's seats became too hard for this tester, at least in the Artico (Evolution spec) trim. The cloth-Artico combination in the base model was softer and more comfortable than the up-spec models' full Artico treatment, which offers little pliancy for its man-made durability. Do we really have to give up leather, too?

No surprises rear quarters for passengers are confined, although the seat itself is well-designed to afford full-size comfort without intruding into foot and legroom. And like many coupes, the CLC's rearward vision is lacking.

Access to the rear seats is no better or worse than most three-door hatches. The longer doors of a true coupe help a touch here.

Other niggles include the lining for the sunroof-fitted models, which is thin and doesn't lie within the roof panel and interior roof (head) lining.

Initially the CLC is much the same to approach as the Sports Coupe. We saw one of the previous models on the road and could've confused it for part of the launch ensemble, such is the original coupe's enduring style.

Designers have done a nice job adding Benz's sharper new lines and the more aggressive body bits like the wider lower air intake look a treat, but the hatch-cum-coupe is looking rather rumpy by now, retaining most of the W203's more curvaceous styling.

Apparently 1100 parts -- mainly cosmetic bits and revisions to the engine -- have been replaced with new versions and sure, the rework has sharpened some driving dynamics but for the most part, the good old girl is what she used to be... And that's no bad thing.