Benz adds entry level CLK

MERCEDES-BENZ has announced a 200 Kompressor model is joining its already extensive lineup of CLK coupes.

Priced at $83,600 in either Avantgarde or Elegance trim, the CLK 200 Kompressor slots in under the existing model lineup, which includes the CLK240, CLK320, CLK500 and the CLK55 AMG.

That pricing mean it will be significantly more expensive than the BMW 320Ci coupe, which retails from $65,900.

Standard 200K features include 16-inch alloy wheels, full leather interior and a host of safety features such as, ABS, ESP and BAS.

The 1.8-litre supercharged engine in the CLK 200 produces 120kW at 5500rpm and 240Nm between 3000 and 4000rpm. The same engine is fitted to the popular C-class model.

Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, the 200K accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds and then on to a claimed top speed of 228km/h.

The new model will become available late third quarter this year with Mercedes expecting sales of 100 units for the remainder of 2004, accounting for approximately eigh per cent of all CLK coupe sales.

Since the launch of the latest CLK coupe in Australia, Mercedes has delivered 2340 vehicles to customers. The 3.2-litre V6-powered CLK 320 has accounted for 59 per cent of coupe sales, the 5.0-litre V8-powered CLK 500 21 per cent, followed by the 2.4-litre V6-powered CLK 240 (18 percent) and 5.5-litre AMG-powered CLK 55 AMG (2 per cent).

Entire CLK sales of the current 209 model range total 3269 coupes representing 72 per cent of sales and cabriolets 28 per cent.

CLK 200 was part of the original lineup launched in Australia back in 1997, but then it had a 100kW 2.0-litre engine, steel wheels and was regarded very much as the poor relation in the range.