2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe reviews

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe 320 CDI Sport 2006

Without doubt the best car I have owned. From new I have now done nearly 30k miles in it without a hitch. Performance is brisk, especially in the midrange, with all that torque available. The 7 speed auto box is good, but can jerk if you’re about to stop but then decide to set off (the ’box doesn’t know whether to go for 1st, keep 2nd or engage 3rd!) again. The flappy paddle option is handy for overtaking (press and hold the ’down’ paddle, and the car adopts best gear for acceleration - a bit more controlled than kickdown). Fit and finish seems good, with no niggles, although the windscreen can mist up (even on AUTO c/c) if you encounter freezing fog or snow. Rather annoying. Heated seats are just wonderful, and have 3 heat settings you can switch on any time (unlike my old Renault Laguna). Satnav works well in the COMAND system, but you can’t play DVDs on it, like in the E class. The iPod option works very well, controllable from the speedo centre display (artists, tracks etc displayed there). The Pirelli PZero Rossos the car came with (on 18in AMG rims) don’t last long! And the rims are an absolute swine for kerb damage. The car aquaplanes very easily in the wet, and an injudicious prod on the throttle (with all those foot-pounds on tap) will have the back end of the car all over the place if you’re not pointing it straight (and a wiggle if you are!). It is *very* easy to have the rears scrabbling for grip as you set off, especially on uneven roads - even in ’comfort’ mode on the gearbox (which doesn’t use first, and changes up early). Michelin pilot sports on the back of this car (255/35/18) last longer, but wet grip is significantly worse than the short-lived (read 10k) PZero Rossos. You may find you’ll live longer if you change the tyres just *before* you’re down to the wear indicators if you’re an enthusiastic driver. Good boot size, and fair room in the back for 2 smallish adults! Oh, and not as fuddy-duddy as some of the other models in the range. The fuel gauge is a daft digital one, which gives at least an approximation of what’s in the tank (it often goes *up* after a bit of driving!) - it seems to take account of your driving style, which I hate - JUST TELL ME HOW MUCH THERE IS LEFT, FOR GAWD’S SAKE! Overall, solid, brisk, reliable, easy on fuel and looks nice too.