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Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY (129 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz CLC:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the internal designation for a range of compact executive cars manufactured and marketed by DaimlerChrysler from 1999 to 2010, as the second generation of the C-Class — in sedan/saloon, three-door hatchback coupé and station wagon/estate body styles.
Design work on the W203 C-Class began in mid-1994, with the final design approved in December 1995 by the executive board. Design patents were filed on 20 April 1998 and 4 March 1999. Testing began in 1997, with development concluding in 2000. The second generation C-Class was presented on March 21, 2000 and went on sale starting in September 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW. The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for the entire range, except the C 320. There was a version of this car that was made in Korea....(Read more on Wikipedia)
CL203 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz CLC (CL203). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.95 l/100km). With a weight of 1395 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The CLC (CL203) shares its platform and safety structure with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203/CL203) tested by Euro NCAP in 2002, achieving a strong 5-star rating for adult occupant protection. While the CLC itself wasn't re-tested, its inherent safety design is robust for its era.
CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY (129 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level petrol engine, adequate for city driving but can feel underpowered on highways, focusing more on efficiency.
Fuel Economy
Improved fuel efficiency due to BlueEFFICIENCY technologies, making it the most economical petrol option.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stylish and sporty coupe design with a premium badge.
- • Wide range of efficient diesel and powerful petrol engines.
- • High-quality interior materials and comfortable cabin for front occupants.
- • Good handling dynamics for a compact luxury coupe.
Cons:
- • Rear seating is very cramped, limiting practicality.
- • Based on an older C-Class platform, feeling dated compared to rivals.
- • Some petrol engines (M271 timing chain, M272 balance shaft) have known reliability concerns.
- • Firm ride quality on sportier trims can be uncomfortable on rough roads.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CL203: 2009 - 2011).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CLC |
| Generation: | CL203 |
| Modification (Engine): | CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY (129 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2010 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 129 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 2500-3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 271.911 More details about the engine M 271.911 |
| Engine displacement: | 1597 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.7-10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3-5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 6.9-7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 9.7-10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 5.3-5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.9-7.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 157.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1940 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1100 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 310 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4448 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1728 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2715 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2078 mm |
| Front track: | 1505 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1476 mm |
| Front overhang: | 842 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 891 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.77 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/60 R16; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 16; 7J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Does the Mercedes-Benz CLC live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!