Mercedes-Benz’s new sports coupe, the CLC180 Kompressor, is indeed new and swanky, on the outside at least. The most distinct changes compared to the previous and first-generation C-Class coupe are in the front and rear. The redesigned face is modelled after the current C-Class, with the same Avantgarde signature that is the large Mercedes star taking centre stage on the radiator grille, flanked by new projection headlamps on either side. The most striking tail element is the third brake light, which takes the form of a dramatic row of LEDs that almost runs the entire width of the boot lid. This on an entry-level model can be considered a splurge, bearing in mind that LEDs on a car are akin to designer embellishments on a person.
The exterior of the CLC is a reflection of Mercedes’ concerted efforts towards greater youth appeal, a new direction heralded with the launch of the current W204 C-Class. The new CLC follows the C-Class’ cue and exudes the ultimate in yuppie factor. With its trapezoidal front apron that is reminiscent of an AMG bodykit, the compact rump and overall wedge shape, nobody is going to mistake the driver for some uncle. Top it off with an $8000 sports package which includes 18-inch five-twin spoke rims and sports suspension with a lowered body among other equipment, you are guaranteed some degree of street cred, too.
The CLC’s interior, although sporty and bursting with youthful appeal, could be newer. It is more appropriate to consider it an update since it is based on the CL203 chassis and interior, never mind the fact that over 1100 components throughout the car are either newly developed or enhanced.
A side-by-side comparison between the CLC and its coupe predecessor will reveal their almost carbon copy-like interiors, including the design of the centre console, climate control dials, info centre, air-con vents, headlight and mirror operators. The three-spoke leather sports steering wheel is new though, with integrated controls and paddle shifters, and the carbon fibre background of the instrument cluster lends a sporty touch.
Just as last season’s “To You” Fendi still makes the style cut, the CLC’s interior, despite being merely updated, is far from outdated. The whole interior still comes across as contemporary, sporty and well-built, every bit deserving of the Mercedes badge.
The ergonomics of the interior is well-conceived. Controls are intuitive and uncomplicated, even for the uninitiated. My only pet peeve is the gearlever face plate, with the “P, R, N, D” indications located to the left of the gear, instead of on the driver’s side. I am not sure which is worse – bad design, or simply transplanting a left-hand-drive market component onto right-hand-drive production.
The seating position is low, just as a coupe should be, but the front seats are a little too firm and their inclination too upright, even by saloon standards. But compared to most coupes, cabin space is generous, with ample space even for rear passengers.
The CLC is powered by a 1.8-litre Kompressor engine that feels just a tad less refined than I would have expected. The supercharger works its prowess on acceleration from stationary, compensating for typical drive-off weakness at low revs to achieve an acceptable 0-100km/h timing of 9.9 seconds. But at higher revs, the 4-cylinder fails to carry the initial power through and starts to feel a little bit sluggish. The most alluring element is the exhaust note, throaty and boomy, creating an impression of power and muscle. The suspension is sufficiently stiff and the ride is firm, achieving just the right balance of comfort and sportiness.
The fact that the CLC is packaged as a coupe is open to debate. In terms of body shape, price point and equipment level, it clearly is more hatchback, by industry standards, where most two-door coupe versions are typically priced at a premium compared to their saloon siblings. Compared to the four-door C-Class, the CLC looks sportier for sure.
For $10,000 less than the C180, you get a “Made in Brazil” label and forego creature comforts such as automatic boot release, electric seats, Bluetooth mobile phone interface and colour LCD display that are standard in the C180, some of which are available as options on the CLC180.
Regardless of whether you consider the CLC a new car or merely an updated model, or how it compares to its C-Class sibling, the CLC is a good choice for buying into the Mercedes-Benz family. The majority of CLC buyers have typically been first-time Mercedes owners, and as an added incentive, you can be encouraged by the fact that over 40 percent of ex-CLC owners are now driving an E-Class, CLK or SLK. This alone, is probably reason enough.
