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Hatchback Benz C-Class to Return Next Year

With the growth of the compact segment reaching new heights,Mercedes-Benz looks to be returning to an old favorite in order to increase the number of small vehicles that it offers around the globe. It's still under debate whether or not Mercedes' awkward B-Class will be offered in the United States, but just the same there's going to be an all-new small Mercedes model heading into the land of the free as well as other world markets.

Internationally, Mercedes-Benz offers two cars that fall under the subcompact and compact sectors, the three- and five-door A-Class, and its larger brother, the B-Class. Though the B-Class isn't offered in all North American markets, Canada being the sole recipient, it looks

The C-Class Sport Coupe sold very well in North America. With the sophisticated look of the new C-Class sedan (shown) it should sell even better. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

as if a new compact solution will be headed in the direction of all North American markets in the form of the next-generation C-Class Sport Coupe, only this time around it'll be called the CLC, in line with the full-size CLS.

The C-Class Sport Coupe might not have sold all that well in Europe and other world markets, but in North America it fared well. Besides being the cheapest way in the U.S. to secure a three-pointed star on the hood ofa vehicle, it was also

The monobox B-Class will have Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts questioning if it's worthy of a three-pointed star. The CLC, won't. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

the right size for entry-level luxury buyers within our markets. Another factor working in favor of the car's revival is that it actually fits in line with the Mercedes-Benz image and tradition of having rear-wheel drive. This factor is more likely to appeal to those in the market of buying Mercedes-Benz products, than the front-drive A- and B-Class models. Also, the fact that the CLC is shaped more like a sporting coupe than a monobox hatchback doesn't hurt sales either.

From what we understand, the new car will feature the styling of the most recent generation of C-Class, complete with angular headlamps and the large and prominent three-pointed star grille. The car will also featurethe previous model's

The rakish fastback and the underpinnings of the old car will reportedly be carried over. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

raked fastback, continuing where the old car left off. There is a bit of a catch though; those expecting the advanced new chassis underneath will be in for a surprise. Reports have nearly confirmed that the new CLC will use the chassis of the old C-Class.

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