Mercedes-Benz CLC 200 Kompresser : HOT KOMPRESS

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The CLC 200 Kompressor model could be that rare thing, a cheap Mercedes-Benz. Steve Walker finds out why.

The CLC copue is one of the most affordable ways to lay your hands on some bona fide Mercedes-Benz style. In CLC 200 Kompressor form it even has a respectable turn of pace but can it quell the desire for six-cylinder power while also fending off the appeal of the sensible diesel options?

The CLC is available with a quartet of four-cylinder engines and a couple of six-cylinder units with power outputs ranging from the modest (122bhp) to the muscular (272bhp). The engines are a virtual carry-over from the C-Class Sport Coupe of old, and very good they are too. The CLC 200 Kompressor is a mid-range offering and features an improved power output of 183bhp. Its 8.6 second 0-60mph time means it would struggle to out sprint most hot hatchbacks but the 1.8-litre supercharged engine feels punchy and flexible enough with its wide torque band. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission that's a whole lot better than old-school Merc manuals. If you're willing to spend a little more, there's a five-speed auto for the four-cylinder units like the 200K but the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed self-shifter is reserved for the V6 cars. On the road, the CLC's aging underpinnings are betrayed to an extent by the way the car doesn't steer as sharply or corner in as composed a manner as the best handling coupes in its price bracket. It can still entertain, however, and the car works well for those primarily concerned with cruising about town and looking good.

"As a low cost way to get yourself into a Mercedes-Benz, the CLC 200K does the trick"

Mercedes do much to dispel the impression that the CLC is just a C-Class Sports Coupe that's had a facelift. The Stuttgart company claims over 1,100 component changes but count every press stud, grommet and washer and you can account for 1,100 new parts rather rapidly. It certainly looks like the old car from the cabin, with much the same dashboard architecture, albeit garnished with uprated infotainment systems, seats and steering wheel. The exterior retains much the same silhouette but looks a lot more modern in its detailing. The front end apes that of the latest C-Class, adding projection beam headlights and that Mercedes coupe touchstone, the big chromed three-pointed star in the centre of the grille. The back end has also been tidied up to good effect, with a set of slimline LED tail lights. Open the hatch and you'll find a variable luggage compartment with a capacity of up to 1,110 litres, proving that this coupe has a practical edge as well. The overall effect is of a more mature, dignified car that echoes the modern Mercedes design language very smartly. Build quality is notably tighter than the C-Class Sports Coupe, with better quality interior finishes and superior panel fit. Two trim levels are available with the CLC - SE and Sport. Then buyers have the question of whether or not to specify the panoramic glass roof option. Equipment levels are reasonably generous and include parking sensors, sports suspension, sports seats, electric windows, climate control, ESP stability control and a clutch of airbags. The Sport model adds speed sensitive power steering, lowered suspension, a leather sports steering wheel and bigger alloy wheels. The very raison d'etre of the Mercedes CLC is to bring younger customers to the Mercedes fold and in order to do that, prices have to be kept reasonable. In fact, there's almost an argument for this model to be run as a loss leader if it helps imbue its owners with the requisite Mercedes-Benz brand values and buyers then move onto buying more profitable Mercedes lines. The CLC is attractively priced and this 200K model can be yours for the price of a well-specified hot hatchback but be warned that many of the more desirable features are reserved for the options list and will bump up the price if selected. Bolting a supercharger on to an engine doesn't usually do much for its fuel economy but if you view the CLC 200k as an alternative to the more profligate CLC 350 with its V6 petrol engine, a case can be made for it. The combined economy figure is 38.7mpg which is over 10mpg better than the V6 model and CO2 emissions are measured at 174g/km. Compared to the CLC 200 CDI diesel, things look less rosy. That car might be markedly slower but it can return 48.7mpg. If you're trying to calculate a depreciation figure, it pays to bear in mind the cost of expensive options. In general terms, however, the Mercedes CLC looks set to perform very well in terms of residual values, as there is never a shortage of customers looking to buy sensibly-priced Mercedes models, especially if it's still a relatively fresh face. Insurance ranges between Groups 13 and 18, so there's likely to be a model to suit most target pockets. As a low cost way to get yourself into a Mercedes-Benz, the CLC 200K does the trick. It's not as polished a product as we're used to from the brand but for the kind of money being asked, it would be harsh to be overly critical. Both the 1.8-litre Kompressor engine and the CLC platform itself are showing their age in certain respects but buyers searching for a reasonably fast and affordable small coupe that looks good and has the right image will like it. Mercedes is getting maximum value out of the technology behind the CLC both the engine and the underpinnings served the C-Class Sports Coupe well for many years. Newer rivals show them up in many respects but Mercedes is being realistic with its pricing and so long as you stay away from that pricey options list, decent value for money is on the cards.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Mercedes CLC 200K
PRICES: £20,872-£23,319 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-18 CO2 EMISSIONS BANDS: 174g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.6s / Max Speed 145mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 38.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4343/1728/1406mm [est]