Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

KOMPAS.com - Mercedes-Benz has finally filled the gap left by its CLC with a new two-door version of the C-Class. The C-Class Coupe is larger, more spacious and slightly more expensive than the CLC, with a more contemporary look.

From the front, the coupe bears a strong resemblance to the four-door C-Class. There are a couple of subtle differences, though. The Coupe's grille has two horizontal slats to the sedan's three, and gets LED daytime running lights as standard.

In profile the Coupe cuts a more sporty figure, with a sleek, low roofline that will is similar to Audi's A5 coupe. Inside, the four-seat Coupe incorporates the recent improvements to the C-Class sedan, with a comfortable, functional and classy feel throughout. It doesn't scream "sporty", but it is a big step up from the old CLC.

Up-front there is plenty of space, though taller buyers should note the optional sunroof does cut into headroom, both in the front and rear seats. The back seats (two only - the middle pew is replaced by a covered storage section) are comfy if a little cramped, and the boot is big enough to easily swallow a pair of suitcases.

Bluetooth phone and audio streaming is standard, while internet connectivity is available on all models except the entry-level C180. There are 11 standard airbags: dual head, side, and pelvis airbags for the front as well as a driver's knee-bag, side airbags for rear passengers, and full length curtain airbags.

The top-of-the-range $99,900 (plus costs) C350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to Merc's seven-speed automatic transmission. It pumps out 225kW and 370Nm of torque, making it the most powerful C-Coupe (for now - the 6.2-litre V8 AMG version arrives in October) and also the quickest, sprinting from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.0 seconds flat. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.3L/100km.

That all looks good on paper, but in practice it was something of a let-down. The engine is good, but the throttle feels doughy and slow to respond, and the transmission is too eager to kick back two or three gears, with a noticeable lag that doesn't inspire confidence when pushing out of corners. Paddle shifters improve the driving experience - they're quick, and don't overrule the driver's choices.

The C350's ride is also less than perfect. Our drive route incorporated a few unrelenting sections of rough blacktop and the car's firm suspension struggled to soak up the bumps. At all times the car felt as though it was under control, but it wasn't the most comfortable journey.

The firm set-up pays dividends through corners, though, especially if you engage Sport mode, which sharpens the car's responses to driver inputs. In Sport, the C350 sits flatter through bends, remaining composed over mid-corner bumps and delivering plenty of grip. The steering feels crisper, and the throttle response quickens.

The cheaper petrol-powered C250 felt more of a complete package, though, despite a lower price tag of $69,900. Its 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol model produces 150kW and 310Nm, with a claimed fuel use of 7.0L/100km.

The turbo engine is a very smooth operator, with a linear power delivery that does its utmost to take advantage of all seven gears. It's far quicker than the C350 to respond to throttle inputs, and while a few extra kilowatts would be nice, it offers ample power for Aussie roads.

The suspension feels far more compliant over bumpy sections of road. It holds the road in a more composed manner, while the "Sport" button adds a sharper feel to the steering, suspension and throttle.

There's also a diesel-powered C250 priced identically to the petrol. The 2.1-litre turbo diesel sips just 5.1L/100km, despite healthy power outputs of 150kW and 500Nm.

The diesel's grunt is instantly noticeable from a standstill, shoving you back in your seat quite unlike any of the other cars sampled. There is a trade-off in that the engine sounds grumbly as the revs climb, but the oomphy nature of the engine does a lot dispel that.

We didn't get chance to sample the entry-level C180 model, which starts from $58,900. It is powered by a 1.8-litre turbo engine producing 115kW and 250Nm. Claimed consumption is 7.3L/100km.

The C-Class Coupe range will be completed in October when the performance-focused C 63 AMG Coupe joins the line-up priced from $154,800.