Mercedes-Benz is one of a handful of automobile makers that makes use of the supercharger as a means in gaining power. Always considered the poorer cousin of the turbocharger, but its future now seems certified by recent advances in its mechanical makeup and operation.

Though the CLC's supercharged 1.8-litre in-line-four is up-rated now to wind out 135kW and 250Nm, our test equipment indicated it to be slower than anticipated. However in fuel consumption terms its 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 204g/km, even though not the best, are at the least acceptable.

Better looking now with redesigned and more purposeful front and rear treatment, it does turn heads, but those with a sharp eye will realise that it’s just a facelift of the previous C-Class Sports Coupe. Luckily many of the stylistic cues from its newer siblings were incorporated and rid it of that 'mousy' front and quirky rear of the previous model. Impressive, too, was the boot space that can be extended from 310 litres up to 1100 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Road holding is better than before, this by way of the up-rated sports package that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, wider tyres, upgraded sports suspension and lowered body. Steering feel is a little more positive via the new direct-steer system based on the speed-sensitive power steering with variable rack ratio that alters steering angle, even though you turn the wheel slightly.

Neat leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements add to what Merc terms the 'racing car' instrument cluster with red needles on the speedometer and rev counter.

And though the interior is sleek, it seems somewhat dated, especially the 'plasticky' tactile feel of the dash. The optional panoramic sunroof spanning the entire roof fitted with a moveable front section is a great feature to have, but expensive.

But none of use could get truly comfortable behind the wheel of the CLC — the seats that are as hard as veritable rocks. Come on Mercedes, we expect comfortable seats in a premium car — not the sensation that we're sitting on cardboard!

The infotainment system is rather cool though, with twin tuner, speed-sensitive volume control and Bluetooth mobile phone interface with iPod and USB inlet, while for those in the know, the new APS unit can be fitted with either DVD or hard-disc navigation system.

The upgraded voice-operated control system with a new whole-word recognition capability allows voice command of the telephone, audio and navigation systems, although you do have to pay extra for such luxuries.

And you do pay dearly for the CLC in the first place. One would imagine that a recycled previous-generation C-Class Coupe would sell for less than the new C-Class sedan, even with all the external and under-skin changes they've made. But CLC still commands a premium over its more modern sedan counterpart. From a value viewpoint, we really can't recommend this over a 1-Series Coupe or Audi A3.

» See page 2 for more on the CLC

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