If you’re looking for an affordable coupe from Mercedes, then the CLC is the smartest option. Apart from affordable access, this premium sports car features a renovated interior, brand new front and rear styling, and revised engines. Younger buyers who want to upgrade their compact coupe will bite into the CLC’s offers of decent equipment levels, sporty styling, and agile handling.

Pros

The CLC comes with two diesels and four petrol engines. The 2.1-litre diesel have become more environmentally friendly, while the CLC 220 CDI at 150bhp reaches a 62mph sprint in less than 10 seconds. The top notch CLC 350 comes with the seven-speed automatic transmission and can reach 62mph in 6.3 seconds. Apart from the CLC 350, all other engines include the six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The five-speed auto comes as the other option. The auto gearbox’s shifts are rather smooth, but power is more improved on the manual.

Handling and ride is responsive on the CLC, assuring riders and drivers of little engine or road noise. The Sport variations provide more speed-sensitive steering and added agility for better cornering, low-speed manoeuvrability, and enhanced precision.

The interior is quite comfortable. Front passengers have more than enough legroom. Elements such as the chrome-trimmed instrument cluster, switches, and ventilation controls, as well as the aluminum centre-console give the interior an overall high-quality appearance. All models include automatic climate control as standard equipment; a sunroof that lightens the atmosphere can also be added as an option.

You can get the CLC in two trims: Sport or SE. Both come with standard equipment such as sports seats, six airbags, power steering, automatic headlamps, electric front windows, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, and central locking. You can enhance the equipment by adding Mp3 player connectivity, a surround sound audio system, and even rain sensors or heated front seats. The Sports trim is intended for the more luxurious set, as it includes a leather steering  wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a sports instrument cluster and pedals.

Although the CLC hasn’t been tested by the Euro NCAP, you can expect the same safety level seen in other Mercedes-Benz models. The CLC’s previous generation scored all five stars. The current models’ safety equipment includes ESP, acceleration skid control, and six airbags.

Cons

The interior becomes a problem out back, where passengers feel cramped in such limited space. Since it’s a three-door vehicle, we don’t recommend it to families or parents with a young child. You will have a problem securing the child seats from the front; there’s no other option but to climb to the rear. Luggage capacity is limited and the slim door bins can only hold small objects like a wallet, pocket-sized map, or phone.

In terms of reliability, we don’t doubt the CLC will deliver in providing a well-constructed model. You might also want to compare the CLC’s features with competitors such as the BMW 1-Series, Volvo C30, or the Audi A3 Hatchback. Overall however, the CLC comes out in providing the best quality.