Mercedes-Benz has unexpectedly announced the CLC coupe, a new, stand-alone entry-level model for its coupé line, positioned below the CLK.
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The car is essentially an extensive rework of the previous-generation C-class-based Sport Coupe with a new name.
A US website’s report from the launch event in Berlin said that Mercedes originally did not plan a Sport Coupe replacement when developing the new generation C-class launched last year, because the original’s sales never met expectations (despite 320,000 life cycle sales) but rethought the idea after it saw the success of rival BMW’s 1-series hatchback line.
That started slowly initially, several years ago with five-door models only, but sales eventually picked up, and BMW has subsequently expanded the model line with a three-door hatchback alternative, while a two-door coupe and convertible range is just going on sale now accompanied by favourable media reviews world-wide.
The new CLC ‘Sports Coupé’ “has design, technology and equipment to meet the discerning requirements of young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality,” the automaker said.
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By GlobalDataCompared with the previous model, the model has 1,100 newly developed or enhanced components. Engineering highlights include a new direct-steer system, contemporary infotainment systems with colour display, Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation and media interface, Parktronic fitted as standard on all models, plus an uprated four-cylinder engine that now develops 184 hp and sips less fuel than the outgoing model.
Designers have completely restyled the front and rear so that the coupé fits in with its contemporary Mercedes siblings. Like the sports version of the C-class sedan and wagon, and the larger Mercedes’ coupes, it has a distinctive radiator grille with a large trademark three-point star in the centre, and new projection-beam headlamps.
The redesigned tailgate conceals a variable-capacity boot (trunk) with up to 1,100 litres of luggage capacity. There are new tail lights and the long row of LEDs, which make up the third brake light unit, and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width, Mercedes said.
The interior is claimed to be akin to a contemporary tailor-made suit, ie custom-fitted and comfortable, and includes more supportive sports seats with better lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim elements as standard. Three trim colours are offered: black, grey and a combination of black and red.
Here in the UK, the old Sports coupe was a popular choice of mothers with children (three-door body offers added security for those in the back, y’see) and the CLC caters to that market with Isofix fixtures and child seat recognition as standard.
The model line includes a Sport version with 18-inch alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with black inner surrounds, sports suspension with lowered body, leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements.
The instrument cluster has red needles for the speedometer and rev counter which, when the engine is started, spin once around the dial before returning to their start positions.
The Sport also has the new direct-steer system which is based on the speed-sensitive power steering and also offers a variable rack ratio which changes as a function of the steering angle so that the driver only has to turn the wheel slightly when cornering.
Although all will not be offered in all markets, Mercedes is building the CLC with four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 122hp to 272hp for the new CLC.
The 184hp unit in the CLC200 Kompressor now develops an extra 20hp while now returning 36.2 mpg –up to 2.8 mpg more than before. The 200CDI returns 48.7 (imperial) mpg which is up 2.4 mpg over the outgoing model. The CDI models boast operating ranges of over 600 miles (about 1,000km) on a full 62-litre tank.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard with all engines while a five-speed automatic is optionsla with the I4s and the 7G-tronic seven-speeder is optional on the C230 and standard on the C350.
Sport models have gearshift change paddles on the steering wheel.
There are three new generation infotainment units for the CLC, offering colour displays, twin tuners, speed-sensitive volume control and Bluetooth mobile phone interface. An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can also now also be connected. A new optional universal media interface links these devices to the on-board electronics and the car’s control system, allowing the iPod tracks to be displayed in the instrument cluster and on the colour screen in the centre console. Tracks can also be selected using with buttons on the steering wheel.
The new Audio 50 and Comand units come with a Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation system and the Linguatronic voice-operated control system, now upgraded with a new whole-word recognition capability, is fitted as standard if the integrated six-disc DVD changer is specified. Linguatronic enables the driver to operate the telephone, audio and navigation system.
Mercedes has sold 320,000 of the old Sport Coupe since 2001, 45,255 here in the UK, with the majority of customers new to the brand.
“Its high conquest rate of some 70% made the Sports Coupé one of the most successful models in the Mercedes strategic product initiative,” the automaker said.
“Over 40% of buyers opted for a larger Mercedes model after the Sports Coupé and are currently driving an E-Class, CLK or an SLK.”
The CLC first reaches European dealerships in June 2008.
Graeme Roberts
