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Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 CLC 200 CDI (122 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 270 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1430 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 11.3 s). The top speed reaches 206 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 200 CDI (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Similar performance to the automatic, offering basic but reliable power delivery suitable for everyday use.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel efficiency for a diesel manual, making it a very economical choice for mixed driving.
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:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CLC |
| Generation: | CL203 |
| Modification (Engine): | CLC 200 CDI (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 4200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 56.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 270 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 646.962 |
| Engine displacement: | 2148 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.5-7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.5-5.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 5.6-6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 7.5-7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 4.5-5.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.6-6.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1960 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1100 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 310 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4448 mm mm |
| Width: | 1728 mm mm |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2715 mm mm |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz CLC!