CLC, SLK make Malta debut

Auto Sales of Lija recently welcomed to Malta Mercedes-Benz's stand-alone model series in the guise of the new CLC, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz coupé family and the 2008 SLK, with its 650 newly developed parts.

Compared with the previous sports coupé, Mercedes engineers have newly developed or enhanced over 1,100 components. Engineering highlights of the CLC include a new direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring a colour display, Europe-wide DVD or hard disc navigation and media interface, as well as an uprated four-cylinder engine that now develops 135 kW/184 hp. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10.8 per cent compared with the outgoing model.

The front and rear has been completely redesigned so that the sports coupé embodies the contemporary Mercedes design idiom: the S-Class, the luxury CL-Class Coupé and the C-Class provided the stylistic models. The redesigned large tailgate conceals a variable boot with up to 1,100 litres of luggage capacity. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs that make up the third brake light unit and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width.

Sports seats with better than ever lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim elements form part of the standard specification. A choice of seat covers in black, alpaca grey and a particularly stylish combination of black and red are available to give the interior its individual colour scheme.

Mercedes-Benz offers four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW/272 hp for the new CLC. The 135 kW/184 hp powerplant in the CLC 200 Kompressor now develops an extra 15 kW/20 hp while consuming just 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres - the equivalent of up to 0.7 litres less than before. In consumption terms, with its advanced turbo diesel engines, the CLC falls into the five-litre category: the CLC 200 CDI returns a consumption of 5.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, up to 10.8 per cent less than the outgoing model.

Meanwhile, key visual enhancements of the SLK models of this year include new-look front and rear sections and a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. A fast-running V6 sports engine developing 224 kW/305 hp and an optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two-seater SLK 350 to the fore.

Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow shape. Designers have modified the rear end by introducing a diffuser-style lower section that makes the Roadster appear more powerful - an effect that is enhanced considerably by the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights.

In the interior, new gullwing red leather appointments will be available - reminiscent of the interior appointments in the legendary 300 SL gullwing model. Further new additions include nappa leather appointments in natural beige, which complement the new pale burr walnut and black ash grain wood trims perfectly.

The sporty credentials of the 2008 SLK generation are enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine - an eight-cylinder unit.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports engine that makes its debut in the new-generation SLK, totally altering the six-cylinder unit's character by making sweeping changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm - some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor.

The CLC starts at €50,500, the SLK at €68,700.

For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.mt.