MERCEDES-BENZ CLC HATCHBACK REVIEW

My car

I purchased the CLC 350 two months ago. My oh my what a spectacular car! The acceleration is phenominal, it certainly turns heads. This car has the same new engine as the new C350 with an amazing auto gear.

People are already tired of seeing the new bog standard C Class merc everywhere and certainly welcome the arrival of the CLC.

It looks gorgeous. OK they could have done more to change the cabin from the previous model, but thats not a train smash is it? My first day back at the office I had to take all the women for a test drive around the block. Most wouldn't climb out afterwards as they tried out my panoramic roof, climate control, electric seats, harmon kardon music etc etc. Lets face it the bmw 1 series and Audi A3 series look nothing like this beauty- they're so basic looking by comparrison.

What I find amazing is how "WhatCAr" slates this car so much. Parkers on the other hand gives a review averaging 77%, with the most important elements regarding the car like safety, performance, handling etc averaging over 80%. So there we go don't believe everything you read in "WhatCar"- its merely AN OPINION.Going through various reviews worldwide, it averages between 70-75%, the cabin and the dated chasis being the biggest downfall.

At the end of the day its about desirability and this car is certainly desirable in my upper income neighbourhood.

Well done MBenz!

My car

The moment I saw the clc I was struck, & I knew instantly this was a worthy replacement for my 5 year old Honda Civic 1.6 Executive.

I had looked at the new civic 1.8, but although sporty looking, comfortable, and having very clever rear seats, it lacked a sunroof, the passenger dashboard looked awful, as did the clear plastic grill. Rear visibility was much better than my old version due to restyled headrests. I was the second person that week to trade in a civic for a clc.

I think many CLC reviews criticise it too harshly tending to compare it with dearer cars. Professional reviewers drive very exotic cars that can colour their evaluations. Personally, I regard this purchase as a step up in quality from my previous cars. I therefore found it to be comfortable, exciting, prestigious, and roomy.

Recession meant good deals & some extras came within the standard price. Plus, a shortage of secondhand small family cars meant my Honda attracted a better price than in the Parker's guide. The dealer's HP interest rate was cheaper than my bank's.

I have read owner reviews & many coupe owners have gone on to purchase more expensive mercedes models in the future. It's a car that appeals to those 'moving up' perhaps. My younger girlfriend thinks it's a grown-up car, yet my mother thinks it's a young persons' car. I'm in the middle, and that's probably what this car represents.

Insurance wasn't as expensive as I'd feared. I hope it will be here before Easter! I'm excited.

My car

we have recently bought this car. very nice looking car, good interior, and comes with alot of gadgets. and surprisly alot of space in the back, my 6ft 3 son can fit in the back with quite alot of head room and leg room... overall a good car, to look at and drive, gets the neighbours looking for a diesel its doing about 36mpg average, but only had it for a week, so should improve, and gear change is very smooth with optional automatic gearbox.