2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK200 Reviews

An inherent problem with this body shape is that the C pillar is way back behind the front passenger and driver seats so rear passengers have easy access.But this puts the seat belt a long reach behind the driver's shoulder, hence the motorised "seatbelt feeder".The bottom of the CLK cabriolet range is the 1.8-litre supercharged model, coming in at the entry level price of $83,600.Despite being a little underpowered for hot heads, it copes quite well with the normal duties most owners of these convertibles will throw at it.No, it's not a track day car. It's a convertible for touring and enjoying the attributes of the Sunshine State.Still, put through its paces and you can enjoy the full output of the 120kW engine because the suspension is set up quite sweetly somewhere between sport and comfort.A not-too-interventionist electronic stability program lets you play, while a well-sorted chassis ensures that the usual scuttle shake of a convertible is no more than a scuttle "shimmer" and doesn't translate through to the steering wheel.And this convertible is rather quiet with its roof up.Saab set new noise level standards with its new triple layer rag tops and, without jumping from one to the other, this CLK doesn't sound appreciably louder.Outside, the CLK is smooth, with no fussy lines or awkward proportions.Even the tell-tale proud five-star emblem is missing. Instead there is a small flush emblem and an tasty oversized star in the grille.The rag top is taut and strong looking. Inside, it looks and feels like a conventional roof.The interior is typically Mercedes with a long list of appointments from mobile phone pre-installation to the multi-function steering which is elctromechanically adjustable for reach and height and can be memorised, together with the electronically adjustable seats.And with one of the best sound packages (six-stack CD changer and six speakers) yet put in a Merc you can even feel the bass warmly throbbing within the doors.

The CLK-Class in hardtop coupe, right, or soft-top cabriolet now includes Parktronic, a parking assistance system that uses ultrasonic waves to calculate the distance to an obstacle from the car and informs the driver by display and audible signal.CLK also gets Thermotronic climate control, a sophisticated automatic airconditioning system which can deliver separate distribution of air to each side of the cabin.Thermotronic detects pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, and automatically closes the recirculation flap if those levels are too high.Pressing a button engages a charcoal filter to absorb pollutants and odours.The air quantity and air flow can be individually controlled and metered by the front passenger, rear passengers and driver on the CLK coupe.The CLK cabriolet now gets heated front seats as standard – ideal for chilly but fine winter days in roof-down motoring.Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and estate wagon get the Parktronic system as well as anti-dazzle rear-view mirror as standard equipment.All C-Class models – sedan, estate and sports hardtop coupe – get the Parktronic and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Variants starting with the C 200 Kompressor and above also get a leather-clad steering wheel and gearshift lever.It means Parktronic is now standard on C-Class, E-Class and CLK-Class models."The additional standard features for our CLK-Class, E-Class and C-Class models will increase the appeal of these vehicles for customers and provide them with added value," says Horst van Sanden, managing director of Mercedes Car Group for Australia.SMALL TORQUEThe sun setTHERMOTRONIC climate control in Mercedes-Benz models includes a solar sensor that gathers data on the sun's angle. It determines the seat to which the sun's rays are stronger and can adjust the temperature for this area without making other areas too cool.Perfect recall MERCEDES-Benz has been undertaking a worldwide recall. On six and eight-cylinder petrol engines built between June, 2001, and November, 2004, the voltage regulator and alternator are being checked and if necessary replaced. E-Class and CLS-Class cars built between January 2002, and January, 2005, get new battery control software. Braking systems on E-Class, SL-Class and CLS-Class built between June, 2001, and March, 2005, are being updated.