Compressor Mercedes CLC 180

The essence of CLC is very simple: old technique in a new suit. It's certainly not noticeable to the naked eye, but it's true that the CLC has received more negative than positive criticism from those who have commented on its shape. The former is usually blamed on its rear end, especially with its large and rather angular headlights (which will likely be the case in the upcoming new E-Class as well), while the latter is on a nice sporty nose that suits the class better than the rest of the design. car.

That this is a new outfit, but an older technique to already know the interior. Those of you familiar with the interior (especially the dashboard, center console and gauges) of the previous C-Class will recognize the CLC immediately as well.

The calibers are the same, the center console (outdated) (especially the radio) is the same, the steering wheel with the steering levers is the same, the gear lever is the same. Luckily it sits just as well, and thankfully the seats are just as good, but those who aren't Mercedes regulars might be disappointed. Imagine the owner of the previous and new C-class who is about to buy a CLC for his wife. He probably won't be thrilled with Mercedes selling him again what he had already gotten rid of when exchanging an old for a new C.

With new car owners of this brand, there will be less trouble. All this will (probably) sound acceptable - after all, many Mercedes owners said years ago that the first MB A wasn't a real Mercedes, but it still sold well.

Before we jump under the skin, a word about sitting in the back: there is enough room for children if the lanes are not long, and also for adults if the front seats are not pushed all the way back (which is rare even for very tall drivers). Visibility from the outside is not the best (due to the pronounced wedge-shaped line on the sides), but this is (more than) a fairly large trunk.

It "boasted" the inscription 180 Kompressor. This means that under the hood is the well-known 1-liter four-cylinder engine with a mechanical compressor. If the back had an "8 Kompressor" marking, that would mean (with the same displacement) 200 kilowatts or 135 "horsepower", and the 185, unfortunately, has only 143 "horsepower" and is thus the second weakest model for 200 CDI. If you are a more sporty driver, this CLC will be very weak for you. But since the Mercedes CLC is no longer called (any more) an athlete, and since the test car was equipped with an optional (€2.516) five-speed automatic, it's clear that it's meant for slower, more comfort-oriented drivers. .

To make things a little schizophrenic, the sports equipment kit includes the ability to manually shift gears using the levers on the steering wheel (which is not needed for this only five-speed, slow and steady transmission), two-tone leather upholstery (excellent), aluminum trim (welcome) revitalization with checkered background sensors), sports pedals (pleasing to the eye), sports three-spoke steering wheel (required), 18-inch wheels (unnecessary and unfavorable for comfort), some exterior accessories of sports design, a sports air filter and (citing catalog) "sporty engine sound" ... This was probably forgotten at the factory in the test CLC, which had to be turned on, since it sounded the same asthmatic rattling voice as all of its "unsportsmanlike" colleagues. Chrome tailpipes didn't help either, although (presumably given their popularity on modernized cars) they are a great cure for this.

The CLC was built on the platform of the previous C (you probably already learned from the post), so it shares the chassis with it as well. This means a safe, but not too interesting position on the road, good swallowing of bumps (if not for the sporty 18-inch tires, it would be even better) and overall more travel than "sporty".

So who is the CLC for? Considering what it is and what it offers, this can be said to unpretentious drivers who are new to this brand and are looking for a seemingly sports car. Such a CLC will easily satisfy their requirements, but if you are more demanding in terms of "driving", choose one of the six-cylinder models - you can afford a modern seven-speed automatic (which costs almost the same as the old five-cylinder engine). speed). .

Dušan Lukič, photo: Aleš Pavletič

Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 Compressor

Basic data

Sales:	AC Interchange doo
Base model price:	28.190 €
Test model cost:	37.921 €
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Power:	105kW (143 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	9,7 with
Maximum speed:	220 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	7,9l / 100km

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline with forced refueling - longitudinally mounted in front - displacement 1.796 cm? – maximum power 105 kW (143 hp) at 5.200 rpm – maximum torque 220 Nm at 2.500–4.200 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine is driven by the rear wheels - 5-speed automatic transmission - front tires 225/40 / R18 Y, rear 245/35 / R18 Y (Pirelli P Zero Rosso).
Capacity:	top speed 220 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 9,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,3 / 6,5 / 7,9 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension:	cupelimo - 3 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, cross rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling - rear) travel 10,8 m - fuel tank 62 l.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.400 kg - permissible gross weight 1.945 kg.
Box:	measured with standard AM set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 5 pieces: 1 × backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 2 suitcases (68,5 l);

Our measurements

(T = 9 ° C / p = 980 mbar / rel. Vl. = 65% / Odometer status: 6.694 km / Tires: Pirelli P Zero Rosso, front 225/40 / R18 Y, rear 245/35 / R18 Y)
Acceleration 0-100km:	10,8s
402m from the city:	17,6 years ( 130 km / h)
1000m from the city:	31,8 years ( 166 km / h)
Maximum speed:	220km / h (V.)
Minimum consumption:	8,9l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	12,6l / 100km
test consumption:	11,8 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	37,6m
AM table:	40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	54dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	61dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear	66dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	63dB
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (313/420)

• The CLC is a real Mercedes, but really an old Mercedes too. Evil rumors say CLC stands for "Cost Reduction Concept". In any case: if you already have it, take the six-cylinder engine. Or read the test of the next coupe in this issue of the magazine "Auto".

• Exterior (11/15)

  The appearance is inconsistent, an aggressive nose and an outdated butt are incompatible.

• Interior (96/140)

  There is enough space in the front, a little coupe in the back, obsolete shapes and materials interfere.

• Engine, transmission (45
  
  
  / 40)

  If the four-cylinder compressor were even smooth and quiet, it would still be fine, so it's anemic and too loud.

• Driving performance (58
  
  
  / 95)

  The CLC is known to have an old chassis of the same generation and still wants to be sporty. There is no need.

• Performance (22/35)

  Driving performance is quite satisfactory, but nothing like a sports coupe ...

• Security (43/45)

  Safety is a tradition at Mercedes. Poor visibility worries.

• Economy

  In terms of capacity, the consumption is not quite at the highest level ...

We praise and reproach

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heating and ventilation

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trunk

Transmission

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