A Coupe that has it all.

Byline: Alistair Coull Motoring Correspondent

SOME cars just seem to have it all. Head-turning looks, powerful engines, spacious interiors, lots of equipment - and prestige.

The new Mercedes Benz CLK-Class Coupe is one that certainly has it all, and a little more - prices that won't send the bank manager into orbit.

On sale in June, the new range starts from pounds 27,240 for the CLK 200 Kompressor, slightly less than the outgoing model when the new car's pounds 1400 worth of extra equipment is taken into account.

As before, the CLK Coupe comes in two trim levels - Elegance and Avantgarde but with three engine choices - the CLK 240 which replaces the old CLK 230 Kompressor, the CLK 320 and the range-topping CLK 500.

These three models will be joined later in the year by the entry-level CLK200 Kompressor and the flagship CLK55 AMG. The range will be completed at Christmas with the introduction of the diesel-powered CLK270 CDI.

Standard kit is comprehensive. Extra over the outgoing car will be automatic climate control, automatic headlamps with headlamp wash, electric windows all round, four seatbelt pre-tensioners, front seatbelt feeders, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and rain sensing wipers.

Attractively styled, the new CLK Coupe has the same sleek side profile as the flagship CL-Class Coupe. There are no upper B-pillars so the frameless side windows retract fully into the body while a new interpretation of Mercedes' four-light headlamp trademark gives a flavour of the sense of style that has won fans since the original CLK's launch in 1997.

As well as sharing the style of its larger stablemates, the new CLK Coupe has similar option packages. These include Distronic, the radar-assisted cruise control system that maintains a constant gap between the car and the vehicle in front, even in traffic flowing at different speeds. Linguatronic offers voice activation of the radio and optional telephone, while bi-zenon headlights are also available.

As before, the new car has Mercedes' industry-leading warranty package. All have a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, ASSYST variable service intervals and the mobilo-life 30-year anti-corrosion and breakdown pqackage.

Safety is as important as style and dynamics so every new CLK includes anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ESP electronic stability system, and six airbags - two in the dash, plus front side bags and windowbags. Speedtronic cruise control, also standard, can keep the car within speed limits, meaning improved safety for other road users as well as reducing the risk of speeding fines and endorsements.

Remote central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, and doors that lock automatically after pulling away add to the car's comprehensive safety and security tally.

Headlamp Assist can keep the car's lights on after locking the vehicle to improve visibility on dark nights and they can also illuminate when the car is unlocked.