A brand new model of Mercedes-Benz is released in 2008 as CLC entry-level coupe. Mercedes-Benz has announced details of its CLC entry-level coupe.. Developed from the former C-Class sports coupe – over 1,100 components are said to have been changed or updated – it is compact yet powerful, higher-tech yet more economical than its predecessor. The German automaker says the updated engines (especially the four-cylinder 1.8-liter that pushes the C200 Compressor and now delivers 184 bhp) and a direct-steer system will provide a much sportier behavior. Sales have started from May 2008. The CLC will be produced in Brazil, in the Juiz de Fora plant which Mercedes-Benz built to produce the A-Class. At the end of its production, this facility almost closed its doors before the company managed to find out what to do with it. The solution was the production of the C-Class Sport Coupe, what in part explains why the company has decided to keep the previous platform structure for the CLC. The Mercedes Benz CLC-Class model range lies within the price bracket of £19,920 – £27,240. The CLC range includes two diesel-engines models. Both are 2148 cc, but differ in power and torque outputs.

The CLC 200 CDI engine delivers 122 bhp and 270 Nm, and the CLC 220 CDI, 150 bhp and 340 Nm. The car with the more powerful engine is naturally the quicker of the two, but both consume the same amount of juice: a theoretical 42.8 mpg on the combined cycle. This is for 5-speed automatic models; the stick-box cars are both around 48 mpg. But two pedals or three, the CLC CDI clearly represents the greener side of sports car motoring.

The CLC 220 CDI delivers a really pleasant drive. With wide-ranging adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, it is possible to achieve the precise point of ergonomic balance, in which the driver feels in perfect pitch with the car. This synergy adds to the sense of its being a sports car, as does the new direct steering, which is worth an explanation. In terms of length, the CLC is shorter than a Mondeo but longer than a Focus, which, in turn, is longer that a Golf. It is very hard to position this car in the market place, and, given that it is slightly more a sports car than a coupe, I suppose the nearest equivalent is perhaps the Mazda RX-8. CLC Sport additives include an aluminium gear-shift, with a leather-trimmed gaiter, and stainless-steel inserts for the pedals. Standard features naturally include such things as ESP, ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), Artico man-made leather, dual-zone climate control, and park control. But the Merc touch is also evident in the smaller details, such as a first-aid kit, and monogrammed kick plates. Currently the CLC-Class has not been tested and therefore it is going to be rated by NCAP. Base models are above average to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are expensive (group 20 being the highest rating) to insure.