Mercedes-Benz Offers Dream Test Drives With the New CLC

BROOKLANDS - July 29, 2008: Mercedes-Benz is offering online browsers a chance to race its new CLC-Class coupé around the streets of a virtual London, with the new www.CLCdreamtestdrive.com website.

Users can customise a CLC 350 Sport – the range’s flagship model – before hitting the road and aiming to set the fastest time. The top time recorded over the three summer months will be entered into a prize draw, with the overall winner receiving a real driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World, at Brooklands, Surrey.

Developed in conjunction with specialist agencies Team6 and Weapon7, www.CLCdreamtestdrive.com gives an innovative, fresh new way of trying the CLC in a way that would not be possible on actual London roads. Some 80,000 CLC prospects are being sent a personalised copy of the game, thanks to a hi-tech collaboration by Mercedes-Benz and Sony DADC and Royal Mail.

Ian Dutfield, Marketing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars explained the strategy: “The CLC is attracting a new kind of customer to Mercedes-Benz, so we wanted to promote the range in a new and exciting way. CLC drivers are often choosing their first executive car, and are searching online for information. CLCdreamtestdrive adds an enjoyable element to that investigative process.

“Our online racers can then go on to book a real world test drive with their retailer, or to see the competitive finance rates and strong residual values that make CLC a sound choice whether choosing from the heart or the head.”

CLC-Class range at a glance
Priced from less than £20,000, CLC is a compelling blend of vibrant, eye-catching styling, advanced engineering and multi-purpose functionality. Above all, the sporty CLC meets the discerning requirements of customers looking for an involving drive in a compact, muscular coupé, while delivering the hallmark Mercedes-Benz attributes of quality, safety, comfort and environmental compatibility.

Engineering highlights include the latest direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring Europe-wide DVD or hard disc navigation and voice control, and an uprated four-cylinder petrol engine developing 184 hp. Fuel consumption across the range has been improved by up to 12.2 per cent and some 1100 components have been newly developed or enhanced over the old C-Class Sports Coupé.

Six engines are on offer, four petrol and two turbo diesels, with a choice of either SE or Sport grades, the latter providing a heightened sense of driving enjoyment. The petrol engine choice begins with the CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR SE priced at £19,920, the diesel range with the CLC 200 CDI SE at £21,015.

Moving up to the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR SE at £21,320 brings a power boost from 143 to 184 hp while the £22,260 CLC 220 CDI SE sees an increase from 122 hp to 150 hp.

Upgrading to the Sport model is an £1100 increment, but you get £2000 worth of extras including metallic paint, 18” alloy wheels, sports suspension, full Artico upholstery and more, saving £900.

CLC 230 and CLC 350 are available exclusively as Sport models, priced at £24,280 and £27,240, respectively.

All CLC models can be specified with the £1400 Panorama upgrade package which adds an extensive range of equipment including a large panoramic glass sunroof to create a particularly airy cabin ambience.

Safety is standard with every Mercedes-Benz car. ESP® Electronic Stability Program, ABS with brake force distribution and Brake Assist are fitted across the range. As are traction control, six airbags and a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. MobiloLife additionally offers up to 30 years of breakdown and corrosion cover, subject to certain terms and conditions being met.