Mercedes CLC 180K SE manual: Test Drive

Date: 14 November 2008   |   Author: Tristan Young

Category: Lower medium P11d price: £19,695 Key rival: BMW 1-series

This is where the CLC range begins, just below the magic £20,000 barrier, with a 143PS 1.8-litre petrol engine.

As we said on the first international drive back in April, the car is based on much of the underpinnings of the old C-class Sports Coupe but with a new nose and improved engines and interiors.

We also said that as a result the driving experience isn't going to worry rivals from BMW or Audi, and this is still the case now we've driven the car in the UK. Rear visibility is also worse than the previous version thanks to the styling tweaks.

If you are still a petrol buyer, in this diesel-dominated market, then 39.2mpg is distinctly average, as is the CO2 output of 170g/km and the 46.4p cost per mile. Price and equipment, however, are a more attractive proposition, with the CLC 180 including cruise control and climate control as standard, something rivals omit.

Verdict: Not a worry for premium rivals and feels a little dated

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