Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 154
0-62 Mph: 11.2 secs
BHP: 127 BHP
Range: 584 miles
PROS: Good looks. Good level of standard kit. Stylish interior.
CONS: Pricey. Dated underpinnings. Not that good to drive.
The CLC can get from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph. This is hardly earth-shattering performance but it is, at least, respectable.
The facelift for this model apparently saw 1100 parts changed during the transformation from the old C-Class coupe into the new CLC. But, from behind the wheel, it's difficult to tell the difference. The only real difference is that the steering provides more driver feedback than before. Other than that, sadly, it lags quite significantly behind its rivals. The main rival of the CLC is the BMW 1-Series, which is both a more thrilling and entertaining to drive, and more capable than the Mercedes.
The CLC shares some of its styling characteristics with the current Mercedes C-Class. It has the same distinctive front end as its bigger brother but tit is strangely proportioned and the rear of the car doesn't look like it matches the front. The rear screen also makes for shocking rear visibility.
The interior trim is also a let down and feels very dated.
Kit wise you get: power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air con, cruise control, rear parking sensors, MP3 connectivity, CD, and Bluetooth. Options such as sat-nav can be added for an additional cost.
There is a good amount of space for both front and rear passengers and a good-sized boot. The boot can hold 310 litres with the seats up, and with the seats down it can hold 1100 litres. A wide boot opening means that loading and unloading should be an easy job.
Mercedes-Benz has regained its reputation for building reliable cars in recent years but the CLC dates from a time when Merc were really dropping the ball. However, the CLC feels well made and if you adhere to regular maintenance and service schedules from a Mercedes registered dealership, you can rest assured that this will help sustain trouble-free ownership for tens of thousands of miles. Mercedes-Benz finished fourth overall in the 2010 JD Power Satisfaction survey, which is impressive.
The Mercedes CLC hasn’t been put through the EuroNCAP crash tests yet so has no NCAP rating. However due to the safety equipment, it’s a reasonable assumption that this is a safe car. Safety kit includes: six airbags, traction control, electronic stability control and Isofix child seat mountings are standard.
With a price tag of £19,790, the Mercedes isn’t overly cheap and if you go made with the optional extras, the price can rocket.
Emissions are 154g/km putting it in car tax band G and fuel economy is 42.8mpg. The CLC also has weak residual values compared to its direct rivals. There are much better cars out there for the money.
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.
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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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