Mercedes-Benz CLC. For sale "Mercedes". Inexpensive! / Mercedes-Benz test drives

Even children know that Mercedes-Benz is not a cheap brand. At the same time, the Germans are often accused of being overly conservative in design. A saying even emerged: "Mercedes are not for those in a hurry, but for those who are already in no rush." There is some truth to it, or rather, there was, because now supporters of this opinion have a weighty counterargument — the CLC sports coupe.

The new model from Stuttgart breaks several established stereotypes at once. First of all, it is not as expensive as most of its brand siblings. Of course, the A- and B-class cost less, but do not forget: for a true sports coupe, they ask about 30 thousand euros. In addition, the newcomer's appearance is pleasing to the eye. Of course, the huge three-pointed star on the radiator grille loudly declares its brand affiliation. But, unlike many rivals, the CLC's design cannot be called aggressive. The car does not look like a steroid-pumped thug, but rather like an intellectual athlete capable of conquering Olympic heights.

Inside — nothing superfluous. The Spartan interior trim only emphasizes the coupe's sporty character. Special thanks to the dashboard designers. This is a case where simplicity and conservatism are only beneficial. Four classic round dials — oil temperature, speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level — are read flawlessly. Not like many, many competitors with their non-standard lighting, unusual dial placement, and other fashionable gadgets that only hinder the perception of important information.

Let's look around the cabin. The hand habitually reaches under the steering wheel. First, you need to adjust the steering column to fit you. The cherished lever is located to the left of the column, under the turn signal switch. The solution is debatable, especially at first. You need to get used to such ergonomics. Plus — the electric drive, which moves the steering wheel up-down and forward-backward with a barely audible hum.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz

With the adjustment done, we hit the road. Since the most powerful CLC 350 version is not available in our market, we get into the "two-thirty." The car's acceleration can hardly be called impressive. A hundred comes in 8.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 240 km/h. Note that the older brother, with the electronic limiter, has 250 km/h. But the newcomer's truly strong side is excellent handling. In the parking lot, the steering wheel turns easily, like a feather, but with increasing speed, the effort increases significantly. Among the innovations, an improved rack-and-pinion mechanism can be noted. Starting from an angle of five degrees, the gear ratio noticeably increases. The driver only needs to slightly turn the wheel, and the automation will complete what was started. This approach increased the car's response speed to human actions and made driving more confident. The advantages of the new steering are especially felt on winding roads.

It is clear that good handling depends not only on the steering wheel. The front suspension is a three-link design with aluminum arms and McPherson struts. The standard torsion anti-roll bar is connected to the struts via a lever mechanism. During active cornering, buffer springs on the front shock absorbers enhance the stabilizer's effect, increasing the sport coupe's maneuverability and handling.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz

At the rear is a multi-link suspension, where coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers with large rubber cushions serve as elastic elements and dampers. Torsion transverse shock absorbers also ensure driving stability. It remains to add that the appearance of an affordable sports coupe will please many. Especially since even the base configuration has pleasant options: sports seats with improved lateral support, automatic climate control, 6-speed manual transmission, multifunctional three-spoke steering wheel, six airbags, seatbelt pretensioners at all seats, and new projection headlights.

Today, dealers can only order three versions of the CLC: 180, 200, and 230. The most affordable option is priced at 30,900 euros, the middle one at 35,900, and the top one at 39,900. It is worth considering that cars are supplied to our market in so-called fixed configurations, meaning the ability to purchase individual options is minimal.

Happiness was so possible

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The most powerful modification of the CLC family bears the index "350." Alas, this option will not be brought to us yet. It is a pity, because the 3.5-liter V6 produces 272 hp. As a result, acceleration to a hundred takes 6.3 seconds. The maximum 250 km/h, as usual, is limited by electronics. The indicators are good, but not record-breaking. More attention deserves not dynamics, but fuel efficiency. When press materials promised fuel consumption of about 9.5-9.8 liters per 100 km, it was hard to believe. Experience suggested that this could only be achieved by removing the right shoe and gently stroking the gas pedal with one finger. But a fairly long trip, which included high-speed straights and many sharp turns, dispelled all doubts. The sport coupe's appetite indeed does not exceed ten liters. And it is not about money, but about comfort: the CLC owner will not have to stop at gas stations often.

Driving
Behind the wheel of the CLC, the driver does not even have a thought that the car might not obey. Everything is fast, clear, and efficient. The car unconditionally executes commands.

Interior
The CLC's interior is minimalist. Materials are solid, but without special chic. The seats deserve special praise. Despite the clearly sporty profile, they are quite comfortable.

Comfort
The car is suitable for those who love fast driving without leaving a comfortable seat.

Safety
Few doubt that the new model will receive top scores in EuroNCAP crash tests. Mercedes-Benz engineers have long accustomed us to this.

Price
This time, marketers are making buyers a truly interesting offer. If earlier Mercedes impressed with technical perfection, now it is ready to compete in the field of attractive prices.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling, fuel efficiency, reasonable price.
- The absence of the most powerful version — Mercedes-Benz CLC 350 — is disappointing.

Technical specifications

Make and model — Mercedes-Benz CLC 230
Dimensions — 4452x1728x1405 mm
Engine — petrol, 2496 cm³, 204 hp
Transmission — manual, 6-speed
Dynamics — max 240 km/h; 8.6 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — BMW 3 Series Coupe

Our opinion
The distinctive appearance of this car is successfully combined with good dynamics and excellent handling. It is a pity that the most powerful version with a 272-horsepower engine will not be supplied to our market yet. We hope that in the future this injustice will be corrected. In any case, the German company's desire to enter the niche of more affordable cars deserves respect.