The compact hatchback variant of the C-Class by Mercedes-Benz has long been on hiatus in North America since 2005. The three-door hatchback was Merc's answer to the BMW Compact. The C Sportcoupe was unveiled in 2000 alongside its estate counterpart. Sales were slow since its debut, especially in North America, and it forced the German automaker to resort to scrap. However, the upper-management folks changed the plans at the last minute and decided to keep the Sportcoupe.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the release of an updated C Sportcoupe after a 3 year hiatus. It will still sit on the old W203 platform, but feature an updated front fascia resembling the new W204 C-Class. It will be unveiled at the IAA (Frankfurt), which is around two months from now.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes-Benz has announced a change in name for the updated C Sportcoupe. The CLC, the newly announced name, will go on sale in Europe in April of 2008. It is highly unlikely the CLC will cross the Atlantic.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
