Fridae

Mercedes-Benz's recent fortunes have been on the upward trend eversince dumping Chrysler and launching numerous new models to fill up every possible niche in the ultra competitive luxury car market. Think: the big selling CLS, the GLK (sadly available only in left hand drive till 2010) and the misunderstood but lovely R-Class.

One could not argue with Mercedes-Benz's success with its larger cars, however, they have clearly struggled in the other end of the market. While Mercedes-Benz ponders over replacements for their innovative but less profitable A/B Class cars, the new CLC premiers in Singapore to lure first time buyers to Germany's oldest car maker.

Remember the coupe version of the last generation C-Class (W203) which was called the sports coupe but was really a bootless version of the C-Class sedan with a Honda CRX inspired rear tailgate arrangement? The C-Class Sports Coupe was a showroom success as it attracted many first time Mercedes-Benz buyers.

Strangely, when the time came for a replacement for the C-Class Sports Coupe; rather than using the mechanics of the new and highly praised C-Class (W204) mechanics, the Stuttgart engineers decided to perform a nip and tuck. No less than 1,100 changes were made to the C-Class Sports Coupe. Among them, a change of identity and status, hence the CLC, the most junior position among Mercedes-Benz family of coupes (CLC, CLK, CLS and CL) removing previous associations with the C-Class sedan.

Mercedes-Benz's new edgy and taut styling direction is evident here, particularly at the front end. It also made the CLC look very much like the latest and handsome C-Class sedan. However, the rear end of the CLC didn't quite knock my socks off. Recycling the W203 platform meant major structure points cannot be altered, hence the awkward rear end was retained. The CRX inspired look-out/arrangement tailgate lip was deleted. In its place, a high hatch and taut lines took over, creating a challenge for checking the rear view - almost supercar-bad mind you.

The test unit handed to Fridae came with an optional S$8000 sports package which includes lowered and stiffer suspension system and a set of handsome 18" five-spoke alloy wheels. As an owner of the previous generation C-Class (W203), driving the re-worked chassis of the CLC is nothing short of a revelation, as the new variable-ratio steering has provided more feedback and higher agility. In short, the CLC is keen to change directions and is pretty fun to drive. Despite the rubber-band thin low profile 35 series tyres, the CLC 180 Kompressor rode well, displaying the drivetrain refinement that can only be derived from a rear wheel drive car.

The only possible disappointment for the new CLC 180 Kompressor would be the engine, which has been brought over largely unchanged. The 1.8 litre four cylinder supercharged engine musters the same 143 bhp with 220Nm of torque. The cause of complaint would be the fact that the same engine employed in the latest C180 (W204) sedan is capable of 156 bhp, this is clearly the decision of a stingy and shrewd product planner. Avoid revving the CLC to the upper ranges, as the soundtrack is not that pleasant. Nonetheless, smooth progress is possible via the well sorted smooth shifting five-speed automatic gearbox.

Now, here's the interesting bit. Driving the CLC around Singapore's hottest gay cruising area, Tanjong Rhu, (or Fort Road as it is more commonly known) on a busy weekday night was a blast. The appeal of the car - and if I may say so, its driver - was pretty strong. I am happy to report to all potential buyers that there is more than adequate interior room for happiness, despite the compact dimensions of the CLC. Also, the black-grey leather sports seats are supple and comfortable while you cruise.

While space is not an issue, the CLC suffers from retaining too much familiar bits from the previous C-Class. The new three -spoke multi-function sports steering wheel remains over sized and the lack of any cup holders will not please any Big-Gulp-drinking friends. The hampered rear vision on the entry-level coupe Mercedes-Benz can be frustrating; however, the assistance of PARKTRONIC was useful.

The CLC 180 Kompressor is keenly priced at S$126,888 for a Mercedes Benz coupe. This is only made possible by the decision to update an existing platform. While close rivals like the Volvo C30, Volkswagen Scirocco (arriving next Feb) and Audi A3 (to be facelifted next month) are also similar in conception, none of them could provide the advantages which only a rear wheel drive car could provide. The CLC 180 Kompressor proves to be a satisfactory second cumming.

	Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 Kompressor
Engine	1,796cc 4 cylinder 16V, DOHC
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive
Max. Power	143 HP @ 5200rpm
Max. Torque	220 NM @ 2500rpm to 4200rpm
0-100 km/h	215 km/h
Top speed	9.9 secs
Fuel Economy, combined (l/100km)	7.8-8.3
CO2 Emissions	186-198 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4448x2078x1405 / 1495kg
Price with COE*	S$126,888*

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.