What is it?

Mercedes would like us to think of the rear-wheel drive CLC as being an all-new car, even though it isn’t.

In an uncharacteristic move for the German car maker, whose reputation has been forged around more than a century of cutting-edge automotive engineering, the three door coupé is, in essence, a heavily facelifted version of the eight-year-old C-class Sports Coupé . . . albeit one boasting over 1100 detailed changes.

Mercedes claims that using the C-class Sports Coupé as the basis for the CLC, rather than sitting it on underpinnings from the newer fourth-generation C-class saloon, it has been able to keep pricing at or near the levels of the car it replaces.

What’s it like?

You’ll recognize the CLC by its edgy styling. The new look attempts to link the new model with the latest C-class, albeit with the retention of its predecessor’s doors and rear fender panels.

It is mildly successful. The CLC’s front end is nicely cohesive and purposeful in appearance, but the rear remains a mess, with unfortunate shut lines where the C-class Sports Coupé’s tail lamps once were.

By ditching the window mounted within the tailgate, the new Mercedes also suffers from poor rearward visibility, leading to a decision to equip all UK-bound models with parking sensors as standard.

The interior is not much chop, either. Brought over from the C-class Sports Coupé, it looks and feels dated next to the fine cabins of the CLC’s main rivals, the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, with an old fashioned design and hard plastic trim that don’t have any place in a car that starts at £19,920 and rises to a cool £27,420.

At least the instruments and seats are up to Mercedes’s traditionally high standards. As is the optional equipment list, which includes the latest version of its Comand navigation and entertainment system, a full-length glass roof, bi-Xenon headlamps and, depending on the model, a seven-speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles.

When it goes on sale here in June, the CLC will come with the choice of six engines, ranging from the 122bhp turbocharged 2.1-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel in the base CLC200 CDI through to a 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit in the top-of-the-range CLC350 driven here.

The latter has been brought over from the C-class Sports Coupé without change; it still throws out 258lb ft of torque at 2400rpm, making it terrifically punchy down low. But without the changes brought to the same engine found in the recently facelifted SLK, it doesn’t rev with the same enthusiasm as the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the BMW 130i, feeling and sounding strained from 6000rpm onwards.

Dynamically, the CLC has taken a welcome step forward from the car it replaces through the adoption of a new variable-rate steering rack first introduced to the facelifted SLK earlier this year. It provides a more direct feel and sharper responses, with added weighting and greater self-centering.

The suspension has also undergone changes, with stiffened components bringing a sportier slant to the handling, although it comes at the expense of the car’s customary compliance.

Should I buy one?

If you have no issues with a Mercedes coupé that is based around ageing mechanicals but boasts the exterior style of its latest models, then yes. The CLC is competent dynamically, and to many will be a desirable car.

It’s hard to say how people will react to the new CLC’s links to the old C-class, but if recent history is anything to go by, the CLC should find more than its fair share of admirers in the UK.


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M

DAMN, beaten by 1 min!!

I would have prefer MB to give it a different interior. The only thing different from the 203 is the steering wheel.

The exterior looks ok but overall I'm disappointed in the CLC.

MB has improved the C-Class immensely and it feels like the CLC is just an after thought, like they ran out of time or something.

Or more precisely, money....they didn't want to spend any more on this generation of the CLC.

M

The old CL203 C-Class Sportcoupe was very popular in Europe and especially in the UK it seems (according to magazines like Mercedes Enthusiast). The CLC should do well. I don't think people will really demand a new interior as they feel more at home and familiar with the old interior. This might actually be a positive aspect.

I can never accept that old interior(although it is of high quality and still looks modern)when i pay that much for a Benz i want the newest in everything.

Technically this is not a brand new car but a heavy facelift to keep the model breathing for another 3 years.

^But why not just through in the W204 interior?! i'm sure it will cost nothing!

The W204 interior might not fit into the CL203/CL204 body. Making it fit will cost more money.

Intresting!!

"The interior is not much chop, either. Brought over from the C-class Sports Coupé, it looks and feels dated next to the fine cabins of the CLC’s main rivals, the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, with an old fashioned design and hard plastic trim that don’t have any place in a car that starts at £19,920 and rises to a cool £27,420."


Anyway, I will keep my babybimmer, its a masterpiece to play and drive.

I am guessing a typical CLC/ C-coupe buyer aren't those well informed car buyer type, eg girls who wants to get behind a MB. They couldn't care less about that the CLC is actually based on the old chassis or the fact that the interior is the same. As long as it looks different to the old one, they will think it is a new car and buy it. The CLC will do well for sure.