Mercedes-Benz’s local dealership, Cycle and Carriage has launched the new CLC 180 Sports Coupe, amidst a glamorous fashion show cum party hosted by celebrity Stephanie Carrington. Mediacorp actor Elvin Ng, has been selected as the new brand ambassador for this youthful sports-coupe.

Based on existing “C,” nearly 1100 components have been re-engineered. There are new gadget highlights in the CLC. These 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 disk navigation and media interface.

The 1.8-litre Kompressor unit has been uprated, with the four-cylinder now developing 184 hp at 5200 rpm. Fuel consumption has been claimed to have been reduced by up to 10.8 percent from the outgoing model.

Keeping with the times and the current C-class model line-up, the front and rear have been re-designed, with a distinctive coupé radiator grille featuring a large Mercedes star in the centre and the new projection-beam headlamps.

The redesigned large tailgate conceals a variable boot with up to 1100 litres of luggage capacity. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs which make up the third brake light unit and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width.

There are sports seats, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and automatic climate control, all of which form part of the standard specification.

A choice of seat covers in black, alpaca grey and a stylish combination of black and red are also available, as is a “sports package” with a new direct-steer system and 18-inch wheels, wider tyres, headlamps with black inner surrounds, sports suspension that also lowers the ride height, leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements.

Another special feature which the CLC inherits from racing car counterparts is the instrument cluster with red needles for the speedometer and rev counter. Once the engine is switched on, these needles spin once around the dial before returning to their start positions.

A new universal media interface (optional extra) links a Bluetooth mobile, iPod or other USB entertainment device to an on-board system. This means that your iPod tracks will be displayed in the instrument cluster and on the colour screen in the centre console.

The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which Mercedes-Benz has upgraded with a new whole-word recognition capability, is fitted as standard if the integrated six-disc DVD changer is specified, and enables the driver to conveniently operate the telephone, audio and navigation system.