Mercedes CLC: an attractive sports hatch

It can be difficult to keep up to speed with the Mercedes range these days. The prestigious German marque has gone from producing a simple range of cars consisting of small, medium and large luxury saloons (with the odd sporty number thrown into the mix) to offering a huge range of models to draw in new buyers.

One of Mercedes’ main strategies has been to produce cheaper cars to attract younger customers and build long-term brand loyalty. One such car was the C-Class Coupe; a three door hatchback designed to take on the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. The C-Class Coupe remained in the shadow of its rivals, however, and – in an effort to make its mark in the market – Mercedes gave the C-Class a makeover and rebranded it the ‘CLC’.

Although the CLC is visually similar to its predecessor, if you plump for a Mercedes leasing deal you’ll be getting a vastly improved car. The exterior styling is sharper, more aggressive and prettier – it’s a design that oozes class, something that business customers looking at Mercedes CLC contract hire deals are sure to appreciate.

Another criticism levelled at the old C-Class Coupe was its lack of sporty road holding for something that was labelled a ‘coupe’. Thankfully, the feedback was taken on board, and the CLC was revamped with a whole new suspension setup, making it a completely different, more assured animal on the corners.

There are plenty of power options available for those looking at Mercedes CLC leasing plans, with a good range of fuel-efficient diesels that are perfectly suited to eating up those motorway miles. There are also four petrol engines to choose from, including a supercharged 2.0 litre unit which is eager and offers 36.2 mpg – not bad for a petrol car of this nature. The range also includes 2.5 and 3.5 V6s, offering range-topping performance -albeit at a range-topping price!

Inside the car, there’s plenty to smile about. With acres of room in the back for adults, a reasonably large boot, supportive seats and an excellent driving position, a Mercedes CLC lease deal (or Mercedes CLC contract hire package for business customers) will get you a practical car that’s ideal for covering large distances, although some drivers do complain that rear visibility is somewhat restricted. The dashboard is also ergonomically sound and attractive, if a little dated in appearance.

Climate control, multi-control steering wheel and parking sensors are available as standard on all models, but you can spec your Mercedes CLC leasing plan with a host of luxurious – and expensive – extras. These include Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, a Europe-wide DVD satnav system and an integrated infotainment system  - all of which makes the CLC a fantastic luxury all-rounder.

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