Can it keep up?
Underneath there's a further 1,100 changes. But, the question we're all wondering is a warmed-over version of a seven-year old design going to be able to keep up with hot new opposition such as Volkswagen's new Scirroco? You can't help thinking the CLC has its work cut out!
Styling changes
The first notable styling change is at the front, with the attractive nose looking similar to the latest C-Class. The rear styling again follows the current C-Class look, but it's squarer and perhaps not as attractive as the previous Sportcoupe. If you look closely it's not dificult to spot all the blanking plates to disguise the updates from Sportcoupe to CLC. The rest of the design follows current Mercedes styling cues, with chunky lines and big wheelarches. The shape suits some colours better than others; I thought the C180 in silver looked good, whereas the C220 CDi I drove was finished in a totally forgettable Chromite Black metallic.
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Good to drive?
So the CLC in general looks modern enough, but it's the dynamics that will be called into question. To this end Mercedes has employed the variable ratio steering system from the SLK roadster and the suspension at both ends has been heavily revised to improve handling and ride comfort. The upshot of this is the CLC has good balalnce and grip through corners, but it's not sporty and rivals are more agile.
The inside story
Inside there's better-quality plastics and bolder interior trim colours all to try to convince buyer that they're driving something genuinely new. The new CLC has room for four, with ample front legroom, but although spacious there's not much room in the back. Boot space is impressive, and the wide opening aids practicality.
On the road
I drove the 141hp C180K SE auto and the 170hp C220 CDi SE diesel with six-speed manual transmission. The 1.8 litre engine fitted in the C200 was willing, though lacked torque and felt strained at higher revs. The C220CDi was refined and torquey, thought the auto box felt slow to react even in sport mode. Driver's choices will be the 230 and 350 V6s, but these were unavailable at the UK launch. Both were enjoyable to drive on the long test route, but it's the C220 CDi Sport with its slick six-speed manual transmission that I would rather take home.
The 2.2-liter CDi engine felt refined and in the real world it's not far off the C280 in terms of speed and acceleration. The top speed is 128mph, with the 0-62mph dash covered in a respectable 11.3 seconds. The sport pack includes 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels and sports suspension and is likely to give a more dynamic feel, making the most of the CLC-Class's chassis changes
Entry point to the range?
The new CLC-Class has just gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £19,920. The question is, is it better than modern rivals? Well, after spending a day driving it, that's not really the point. Instead, the CLC-Class is designed to draw buyers into the brand, I just wonder whether they'll be decieved.
Tiscali verdict: Better than expected, but if you're after a modern, sporting drive look elsewhere.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our New Mercedes CLC-Class gallery
