In the Land Down Under, the CLK was recently named a winner in Australia's annual Best Car Awards, with judges voting it the best sports car over $57,000.

Other competitors in the same class included the BMW M3 and the Porsche Boxster.

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The popular CLK-Class has won honours at the annual Australia’s Best Cars Awards, with judges voting it the best sports car over $57,000.

The CLK 350 Coupe won over tough competition including the BMW M3 and Porsche Boxster.

Horst von Sanden, managing director responsible for Mercedes Car Group said: “The CLK-Class is a highly desirable sports car and with the performance figures of the new V6 CLK 350, it is sure to be a very popular choice for luxury sports car buyers in Australia.

“The CLK-Class has been very successful and we are pleased with the conclusions the judges have made.”
For many years now, the letters CLK have been synonymous with fascinating coupe design and open-air driving. The all new six-cylinder CLK 350 has an output of 200kW and 350 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class. A seven-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC) is standard allowing fuel consumption to be improved significantly over its predecessor.

Customer deliveries began in August for the CLK 350 Coupe and over one hundred customers have already taken delivery. Its predecessor, the CLK 320 Coupe has enjoyed sales close to 2,000 units since mid 2002.

The judges, who included representatives from Australia’s motoring clubs, concluded that the CLK set the benchmark in a number of key areas.

“This is the value vanguard. Mercedes backs its product with a healthier warranty than other German brands and includes a seductive serve of standard kit,” said the judges.

“The CLK 350’s considerable price tag brings significant savings over other top types while its fiscal advantage firms with lower ongoing outlays, depreciation losses and fuel consumption.

“This category’s weightings indicate that design and functionality are valued even more than outstanding on-road attributes.

“Its seats appeal to a broader audience courtesy of their superior shape and comfort, accessibility to the rear row is simple and the four-seater’s design offers handy room for passengers and cargo.

“Along with its German associates the Benz build quality is exceptional. Points of difference over those same rivals include fewer emissions and a full size spare wheel.

“CLK 350 owners gain user-friendly controls and underlying levels of safety. They’ll also gain a car with exceptional ride and smoothness. The new 3.5-litre engine and seven-speed auto is a welcome addition for enthusiasts,” they concluded.


Copyright © 2005, DaimlerChyrsler AG

LoL not even AMG's

Yep, and not only that, but they retain the most residaul value from MB's.

Ironically not even a car i would consider, but obviously there are those out there that would.

Surprising Indeed.

I wonder who won the Best Luxury Car. It's usually a close call between the 530i and E320. First year E320 won, then with some specification changes the 5er won last year, and now with the new engine in the E350? Or perhaps even the GS will cause a stir. It's value for money proposition is unbeatable.

I couldn't believe this article. I mean I don't consider the CLK to be a "sports car" at all. It's a junior GT cruiser with sporty pretensions, that's about it. Yes it handles well for most people, but compared against the M3 etc., it's easily outclassed in driving dynamics. Oh well, good news nonethless.

The scoring system they use for these awards, regardless of catagory, takes in to consideration a whole list of factors: Price, equipment, build quality, handling, ride, resale value, warranty etc. etc. and involves more than 20 judges. So rather than call it Austalia's best sports car, it should be named best all rounder in the sports car category or somthing along those lines.

I'm surprised the CLK won, expecially considering it was against the M3 and boxster!