Since the launch of the C Sport Coupe range at the turn of the millennium, Mercedes Benz has recognised the importance of the segment, and in its own right stormed the market, managing to rake in a large percentage of conquest sales — which is to say customers who may never have considered a Mercedes before this sporty coupe hatchback was an option.

Clearly it was a taster which the brand rather enjoyed. But for its second generation of product to take it to this segment, Mercedes has pulled out pretty much all the stops. With this latest CLC, they've come out guns blazing on all departments.

Let us just start off with aesthetically. We'd already seen the car in the flesh in Geneva, but in our warmer climes the CLC looks sensational. It's got echoes of the old Sport Coupe still, but is clearly and all-new machine with strong links to the current Mercedes model range, particularly the sportier variants of the breed.

CLC looks the part from all angles too, the side view is distinctly wedgy and with plenty of forward motion just barely in check, the frontal aspect dominated by that wide grille and sharp-cut angles all over, and the truncated rump cements the no-nonsense attitude to a tee. It's treading a fine line between youthful exec and power-crazed tarmac addict the CLC, but pulls the overall effect off very well especially with the optional Sports package, which adds subtle but undeniably enhancing aesthetic touches to the mix.

Chock-a-block inside

Inside the new CLC is chock-a-block with bonus addenda. There's an optional Thermotronic (Thermatic is standard-fit) climate control system which Mercedes maintain is one of the most effective available on the road today thanks to a myriad of advanced sensors testing the air in various portions of the cabin. New, more supportive front seats underline the car's sporting character, while the infotainment system has gone through drastic technological revolution.

Displayed via the high-res 6.5-inch LCD is control of a potent little sound system with plenty of power and all the capabilities you could need, including MP3 support, the ability to store up to 4GB of MP3s on the built-in 40GB hard drive, and all the mapping software required for the GPS to draw its data from. All controlled via the updated COMAND APS interface.

A nifty new touch here, is what Mercedes has dubbed the "Universal Consumer Electronics Interface", or UCI. Using a cable which can be bought from any Mercedes Benz accessories outlet, you can plug absolutely any manner of iPod or similar consumer entertainment device into the CLC and entire control of the unit is relinquished to the in-car entertainment setup, including the ability to display song titles on the 6.5” LCD rather than just on the player itself.

There are more exceptionally nifty techno tricks in here too, such as the Linguatronic voice-command environment which comes as standard on all CLC models. This latest-gen voice recognition system has been substantially enhanced and now allows the driver to speak normally, using whole-word commands for issuing control orders. Linguatronic is far more useable than earlier voice-recognition systems, features support for six languages by default, and is sensitive enough even to accurately determine slight pronunciation differences in natural word speech.

Dynamic tech

And naturally the latest tech is not just limited to interior comfort and entertainment systems, but extend into the dynamic aspects of new CLC as well. Mercedes has adopted a new variable-ratio steering setup with CLC dubbed "Direct Steer", and the advantages it provides over previous systems is evident in that name — a more direct, sporty, and responsive helm.

Providing the propellant for this party are two engines, the familiar 3.5-litre V6 which is more torque- than power-optimised, and a grunty supercharged 1.8-litre four, for the SA market. The forced-induction motor develops 135kW and 240Nm, both very healthy outputs indeed for an engine of this configuration. The naturally-aspirated V6 manages 200kW and a wholesome au-natural 350Nm of torque, which is more than enough to play, as we found to our delight in the SLK350. Quoted benchmark 0-100 results are 8.6s and 6.3s respectively.

Pity that the manual box from that car (SLK350) is gone here — you can get a manual on the supercharged model but it's auto-only for the V6. Never mind, as ever the Merc autobox 7G-Tronic is creamy if not really performance-focused.

Playful fun

Both models manage to be brisk enough for some playful fun, and the bassy V6 delivers a more than suitable soundtrack. The 1800 is less aurally intrusive but still convincingly sporty when you strain to hear it — a big step on from the strained, overstressed noise the old supercharged 2.3 tended to make. The wide spread of torque in both engines (both deliver maximum torque from mid-2s all the way up to 5K rpm) makes for a relaxed and almost unhurried demeanour even when you are hurrying. It's quite the satisfying, feel-good combo in fact, rapid progress without really breaking too much of a sweat.

And the sweet steering, which does take some time to get used to, plays its role in this powerful character development beautifully.

As far as the more youthful, conquest market that the CLC is targeted at, it's hard to think how the three-pointed star could have built a car better suited to taking this sector on. Visually it successfully blends Mercedes family traits with a sporty and aggressive look, the gizmos crammed in are more than enough for any dedicated gadget man, and the ride and handling balance is impressively dynamic.

The Mercedes CLC looks to make an excellent blend of a decision which is both fun and sensible. A C-class in its wild, just out-of-college years, perhaps.