The newly-launched budget-friendly sports coupe from Mercedes-Benz is targeted at the young. Fitting into this category, CHERYL TAY evaluates the “sporty” coupe.
It is easy to be misled by the seemingly new Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 Kompressor. Because other that its name, it is in fact, an extreme makeover of the seven-year-old C-Class Sports Coupe with some touches of the new C-Class sedan. With only one model available here in Singapore, this standalone model literally forms a class of its own.
Despite the 1,000 over changes, the CLC’s design is still a thing of yesterday. But Mercedes-Benz is confident of the CLC’s styling and believes it can convince customers, especially with its comparatively low pricing (for a Mercedes anyway) of $126,888 which puts it within striking distance of the best-selling Volkswagen Golf GTI and splits the five-door BMW 118i and three-door 130i.
As an entry model to the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, the 1.8-litre CLC is powered by a 143bhp unit and is fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox. It may look like a coupe, but is really a softie at heart, absorbing most undulating surfaces and bumps, with lots of body roll through the corners.
The CLC performs more convincingly at lower speeds when it’s driven as a runabout rather than sports coupe. This however, might be a good thing, as the car is targeted at the younger drivers, who tend to be more inexperienced behind the wheel. Acceleration is decent and steering has improved tremendously, but the drive is rather uninspiring even if its new aggressive styling and optional 18-inch wheels suggest otherwise.
It might have a compact appearance, but the cabin is actually quite roomy in the back. Taller ones will find it cramped where headroom is concerned, but at least their legs will be comfortable. Accessibility in and out of the car is easier than usual, with front seats that tilt forward, then upward and out of the way.
As for outward visibility, the CLC’s rising window line and a diminutive rear window makes for large blind spots from the driver’s seat.
The CLC faces strong challenges against contenders like the Volvo C30, BMW 1-Series and the upcoming Volkswagen Sirocco. No doubt the facelift is rather comprehensive and the car has benefited from an aesthetic overhaul; but in terms of drive, performance and quality, the CLC still has some catching up to do. However the cache that comes with owning a coupe with a three-pointed star on it may be enough for some to overlook its short comings.
Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 Kompressor
We Say: For some, owning a sporty Mercedes for Golf GTI money is reason enough to pony up for one and forgive its dynamic flaws. Also surprisingly practical for a coupe.
Rating: 12/20
Price: $126,888 with COE
Performance: 0-100kph in 9.9 secs, 215kph max speed, 7.8l/100km
Tech: 1796cc, 16V in-line 4, 143bhp, 220Nm, 1495kg, 170g/km CO2
