2013 Mercedes CLC Spied

All photos courtesy of Worldcarfans

Based on the upcoming new Mercedes B-Class, the CLC has taken inspiration from its bigger brother, the CLS. The name certainly isn't definite and Mercedes are still deciding whether to call it the CLA, BLS or stick to the CLC.

The CLC will use Mercedes' new compact platform (codenamed MFA) that will appear in the new B-Class as well as the upcoming GLC. The platform will also be used in short wheelbase form in the new, swoopier A-Class.

Models will come with front-wheel drive, although more highly specced ones including the AMG (yes, that has been confirmed) will have all-wheel drive to better accommodate the inevitably conspicuous amounts of power these models will possess.

A 2.0 litre 207bhp petrol engine with a 145mph top speed and 0-62mph time of 7 seconds will be offered as the first top of the range petrol. There will also be two turbo petrol engines, a 1.6 litre unit appearing in 121bhp and 154bhp forms.

There are two different diesel engines with two different power options available. The base diesel is a 1.8 litre unit that can pump out either 108bhp or 134bhp, whereas the 2.1 litre engine can produce either 168bhp or 201bhp.

The previously mentioned AMG model will be aimed squarely at the VW Golf R, using a twin-turbo 2.0 litre petrol engine developing 296bhp - 29 more than the R. Normal CLC models will have a 6 speed manual gearbox as standard, but the AMG will have a dual-clutch gearbox.