Insurance Group: 33
MPG: 41.5
CO2: 175
0-62 Mph: 9.7 secs
BHP: 141 BHP
Range: 566 miles
There is tonnes of standard equipment and very little need to delve into the optional extras list. Safety is a top priority in this car, going by the sheer number of safety features fitted.
Although expensive, it offers good value for money. Resale values are good too.
PROS: Polished, up market looks. Engine is punchy. Refined. Ample equipment.
CONS: Expensive.
The 180 Kompressor Sport comes with a punchy 4-cylinder, 1796cc petrol engine. A power output of 141bhp and torque figure of 162 lb-ft ensure decent performance. 0-62mph takes 9.7 seconds and the top speed is 137mph.
The 180 Kompressor Sport handles well but could do with a little more grip. Steering is accurate and responsive – actually, this version has the best steering in the CLC range. The suspension is great and soaks up road imperfections very well. In terms of ride comfort, the 180 Kompressor Sport ranks up there with the best in the class.
Refinement is superb. The engine rumbles softly and wind and road noise are fully subdued. Large windows ensure that all-round visibility is good.
The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class 180 Kompressor Sport has that polished Merc look, but it slightly underhwhelming to behold. The front-end is defined by a long, narrow bumper, a shorter, wider grille right above it, and round headlights.
The quality of the interior falls short by Mercedes standards. It appears as though it was quickly put together without much thought being given to the finish and materials.
Standard equipment is impressive in the Kompressor Sport. Power steering, central locking, stability control, climate control, cruise control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, immobiliser, alarm, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, artificial leather seats, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and CD player are all provided.
There are a number of extras which thankfully, are quite affordable. Metallic paint goes for £645 while sat nav costs £870.
Mercedes is a reliable brand, having consistently finished among the top five car makers in customer satisfaction as published by JD Power. It has not been put through the Euro NCAP crash tests yet, but the overall expectation is that it will perform well when it eventually gets tested. It has all the features and qualities that count, including a strong build, traction control, electronic stability control, six airbags and ISOFIX child-seat mountings.
The driving position is good and there are a number of adjustments to boost it further. The pedals and gearlever are well positioned. Supportive seats enhance the overall experience for the driver and the passengers.
Mercedes went the extra mile to make the cabin practical and comfortable. Five adults can sit comfortably in the five seats available. Three-door access is pretty good, and the front seats slip and slide forward to make way for those getting in the back. Plenty of head and legroom ensures that there is no grumbling from either the rear or front occupants.
Not only is the boot well shaped, but also large enough for bigger loads. 310 litres is what you get with the seats up and 1100 litres with the seats down. This is an impressive capacity for a coupe, and again, is class-leading.
Compared to medium-executive-car rivals, the CLC-Class 180 Kompressor Sport is expensive at £21,395. But when looked at from a brand value angle, it is actually cheap. It gives good value for money in return and has solid resale values.
Running costs are a mixed bag: on the one hand, fuel economy is good at 41.5mpg, while on the other, road tax and insurance are high with the 180 Kompressor Sport falling under VED band H and insurance group 33.
A 3-year warranty with unlimited mileage will take care of any mechanical problems that may arise.
The CLC is based on the previous generation C-Class and it shows. The old C-Class is now 12 years old and because if this, the CLC simply cannot keep up with the competition.
The CLC is a sporty coupe which is the most affordable available from Mercedes-Benz, and some of the features do show that the car is one of the more basic available. However, the engine does perf...
The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class 180 Kompressor Sport 3dr offers an impressive driving experience with sharp handling and a comfortable ride. There is tonnes of standard equipment and very little nee...
The CLC is not a bad car, it just lags behind its rivals. Having been based on the previous generation C-Class, it is starting to show its age and it is expensive for what it is.
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