Vans, Cars and Leasing

Merc has revised the unfaceliftable: the CLS four-door. Four years after launch, the unusual coupe/saloon gets a freshen-up and a new cheaper entry model – but it’s not coming to the UK.

Not that the CLS looks very different. The radiator grille has been tweaked and now has – count ’em – two bars instead of four. Big deal. The mirrors have gained new LED indicator repeaters, Merc has tidied up the rear apron, taillights and exhausts (now trapezoidal not oval)… and that’s about it. Thankfully, the CLS still looks drop-dead gorgeous.

Under the bonnet

More significant changes are under the bonnet of the revised model. The new entry-level model is the CLS280, a 3.0-litre V6 mustering 228bhp – enough for a 7.7sec sprint to 62mph and, more importantly, an average economy of 31mpg. Sadly, the UK isn’t taking the 280, as so many buyers pick the diesel over here. Other engines remain unchanged; all have the seven-speed auto 7G-Tronic auto transmission as standard.

The full engine line-up is:

CLS280, 228bhp 3.0 V6
CLS350 CGI, 288bhp 3.5 V6
CLS500 V8, 383bhp 5.5 V8
CLS63 AMG, 507bhp 6.3 V8
CLS320 CDI, 221bhp 3.0 V6 TD

Mercedes CLS: an inside job

The interior has a new three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned instruments with white dials, while the telematics system is upgraded with extra functionality for the modern man’s army of gadgets.

Prices haven’t been fixed yet, but we expect them to rise slightly in the UK, along with a corresponding rise in equipment. The new CLS280 starter model we’re denied costs £2500 less than the diesel on the Continent – pointing to a £41,000 starting price.

‘The increase in new car sales in 2007 shows that consumer confidence weathered the economic storms, but interest rates must come down in 2008 for this level of demand to continue,’ said Sue Robinson, director of the RMI’s National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on 2007’s new car sales figures, released today (Monday 7 January 2008).

2,404,007 units were sold in 2007, 2.5 per cent up on 2006.*

Robinson believes that the uncertain economic situation and increasing environmental awareness will inform car-buying choices in 2008: ‘Smaller family cars and superminis will be high on the agenda, as families look for vehicles which are more economical to run and are more positive for the environment.’

Robinson added: ‘Current rising household costs will have an impact on other major purchases, so the Government and the Bank of England needs to help balance the situation through maintaining lower interest rates.’

SEAT has added an economical version of its Ibiza to the model in its 2008 revisions to the range.
The Ecomotive has been designed to maximise efficiency and will do 74mpg and has CO2 emissions of 99g/km, just like its Volkswagen counterpart the Polo Bluemotion.

The Ibiza Ecomotive is priced at £10,995.

Another newcomer for 2008 is the 1.4-litre 98bhp Ibiza Sport.

A permanent addition to the Ibiza range, the new model features a 16-valve petrol engine (the output is up from the previous 83bhp) mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The £9,395 Sport includes 16-inch alloys, low profile 205/45 tyres, body-coloured rear spoiler sports seats, leather-clad three-spoke steering wheel and gearknob, and MP3-compatible CD/radio with AUX-in connection.

The revised Ibiza model line-up now begins with the Reference Sport available with either a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol or 1.4-litre TDI three-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant and priced from only £8,695.

The flagship FR with a 128bhp 1.9-litre TDI engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox for £13,350.