Mercedes targets young and restless

Mercedes-Benz had younger buyers in mind when it set out to design the new compact C-Class range.

Some of the sedans were launched in New Zealand last month. Due next year is the remaining sedan, the 220CDI turbo-diesel, and an estate.

The three-door hatchback - or Sports Coupe as the luxury carmaker calls it - might make it in 12 months but it is more likely to arrive early in 2002.

The coupe will go on sale in Europe about the middle of next year.

Mercedes-Benz claims it is a full four-seater with load space that can be boosted to 1100 litres.

The three-door will be marketed by the carmaker as an alternative to the sedan, rather than a cheaper entry-level model.

It will therefore be priced accordingly and will share its hardware - transmissions and engines - with the sedan, although the 2.3-litre supercharged unit from the SLK might also be available.

Inside, the styling is typical Mercedes but with touches of brushed aluminium and a steering wheel with remote buttons for the radio and telephone.

The coupe's styling includes a grille similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz sports car line-up, while at the back the coupe has an integrated spoiler said to provide useful downforce.

The car is also available with an optional extra-large sunroof said to be 30 per cent bigger than the standard Mercedes-Benz item.

This feature includes a dark glass panel that stretches from the top of the windscreen rail to the rear spoiler.

At 4343mm the Sports Coupe is 183mm shorter than the C-Class sedan and sits 20mm lower to highlight its sportiness.