2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLC (W203) 180 Kompressor 5AT RWD (143 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the CLC as a successor for the C-Class Sportcoupe at the Berlin Fashion Week in 2008, but it was a bridge between the C-Class W203 and W204.

By 2008, Mercedes-Benz still didn’t have a proper competitor for BMW 3-Series Coupe, and the two-door hatchback version of the C-Class was more of a competitor for the 3-Series Compact. But it was its best bet until a proper C-Class Coupe was available. The CLC was based on the same platform as its predecessor and shared the main shell, roof, and door panels with the C-Class Sportcoupe.

The 2008 CLC featured similar-shaped headlights, with the 2007 C-Class (W204) and body-colored door mirrors and handles. In the back, Mercedes-Benz installed new taillights with a similar shape as those from the C-Class sedan. On the new tailgate, the carmaker added an LED light strip for the brake lights.

Inside, it carried over most of the parts from the 2005 C-Class Sportcoupe. Its dashboard featured two larger dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked on the left by the coolant-temperature gauge and the fuel level on the right. In the middle, the carmaker placed an LCD for the onboard computer. The seats were new and provided a higher bolstering.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a wide choice of engines with gasoline or turbo-diesel. The 1.6-liter and the 1.8-liter supercharged engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or with the old five-speed automatic gearbox, while the more powerful versions were mated with the seven-speed automatic transmission. The carmaker used only the 2.2-liter CDI unit for the diesel versions in two power outputs: 122 hp and 150 hp.