MERCEDES-BENZ CLC BREAKS COVER

Knysna -- Mercedes-Benz has unveiled their new entry-level model into the coupe market at a price of R335 000.

Compared with the previous Sports Coupé on which the car is somewhat based, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have newly developed or enhanced over 1100 components. Engineering highlights of the CLC include a new direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring a colour display, DVD and hard-disc navigation and media interface, as well as an uprated four-cylinder engine that develops 135kW. Fuel consumption is exemplary giving 7.8 litres per 100 km.

The compact body dimensions and the muscular lines emphasise the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The Mercedes-Benz designers have completely redesigned the front and rear so that the Sports Coupé embodies the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design idiom with its coupé radiator grille featuring a large Mercedes-Benz star in the centre, and the new projection-beam headlamps. The S-Class, CL-Class Coupé and the C-Class provided the stylistic models. The redesigned large tailgate conceals a variable boot with up to 1100 litres of luggage capacity. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs which make up the third brake light unit and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is comfortable. Sports seats with better lateral support than ever, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim elements form part of the standard specification. A choice of seat covers in black, alpaca grey and a particularly stylish combination of black and red are available to give the interior its individual colour scheme.

Sports package with new direct-steer system and 17-inch wheels

Mercedes-Benz has put together the sports package for drivers looking for extra sporting flair. It includes exclusive engineering innovations and equipment extras such as 17-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with black inner surrounds, sports suspension with lowered body, leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements. Another special feature which the CLC inherits from its racing car counterparts is the instrument cluster with red needles for the speedometer and rev counter. Once the engine is switched on, these needles spin once around the dial before returning to their start positions.

The standard specification for the sports package includes a new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile driving experience of the CLC while adding an important boost to safety. This new feature is based on the speed-sensitive power steering and also offers a variable rack ratio which changes as a function of the steering angle so that the driver only has to turn the wheel slightly when cornering; the Sports Coupé therefore responds far more spontaneously to steering commands and offers even sportier handling.

The sport package forms part of the standard equipment for the CLC 350 and is offered as optional for the CLC 200K.

The Panoramic sunroof – in its element, whatever the weather

The panoramic sunroof available as an optional extra, opens up a whole new perspective and allows light to flood into the interior, giving a hint of that special open-air feeling. The large panoramic panel spans the entire roof surface of the vehicle.

Engines: fuel consumption improved

Mercedes-Benz offers a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder engine with power outputs ranging from 135 kW to 200kW for the new CLC. The 135kW powerplant in the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR consumes a claimed 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR engine variant with the five-speed automatic transmission as an option for this four‑cylinder unit. The CLC 350 has the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as standard for this V6 model. With the standard sports package, the driver can use gearshift paddles on the steering wheel to select the gears of the automatic transmission manually and make optimum use of the engines’ high power reserves when the driving situation calls for it.

On-board Infotainment

Mercedes-Benz has developed a new generation of infotainment units for the CLC, bringing luxury-class cutting-edge technology to the Sports Coupé. Two units are available, offering a combination of colour display, twin tuner, speed-sensitive volume control and Bluetooth mobile phone interface. An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can now also be connected to the infotainment system. A new universal media interface (optional extra) links these devices to the on-board electronics and the Sports Coupé's control system, allowing the iPod tracks to be displayed in the instrument cluster and on the colour screen in the centre console. Tracks can then be selected conveniently using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The new COMAND APS units come with a DVD or hard-disc navigation system. The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which Mercedes-Benz-Benz has upgraded with a new whole-word recognition capability, is fitted as standard if the integrated six-disc DVD changer is specified. LINGUATRONIC enables the driver to conveniently operate the telephone, audio and navigation system.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, high-quality equipment and appointments, and enhanced technology, the new Mercedes-Benz CLC offers even more conquest potential than its predecessor. The new CLC Sports Coupé will appear at Mercedes-Benz dealerships from mid-July 2008.

CLC PRICING

CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR

R335 000

CLC 350

R405 000