Arriving in Melbourne for the drive day for the new generation C – Class, the weather was bleak. Let me tell you, that soon changed when I got behind the wheel of the new C 250 diesel estate – this was more than a ray of sunshine.
It’s not that Merc don’t work hard on all of their model range, but the C – Class is bread and butter. The C-Class is their highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007.
Since the market launch of the first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the 190 model), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010, too, the C-Class was repeatedly topping the registration statistics including 507 units of the C63 AMG and since 2008 the saloon has been the unbeaten world market leader in its segment.
The new C-Class is a comprehensive modernization, with over 2000 new components changed. Everything about the car has been refined. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model now have a more striking design.
The optional high resolution colour display, which has now been integrated into the new dashboard, adds to the premium character of the interior. The new-generation telematics include internet access.
The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front-passenger side to the outer air vent, making the interior appear significantly wider. The upper dashboard section with a new surface grain continues into the beltlines of the door panels. The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts.
The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new steering wheel design accentuates a great looking interior. Together with the new telematics generation, the face lifted C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument cluster featuring an integral display – which is also available as a colour display-in conjunction with the 12-button steering wheel. Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised surface, openly demonstrating the C-Class’s sporting ambitions.
Fuel consumption has significantly reduced across the C Class range. Currently there are 2 diesels and 1 petrol to choose from. The entry level C 200 CDI (diesel) having a combined cycle of only 5.4l /100 kms. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines and the ECO start/stop function – which is a bit spooky the first time you experience it. No, you haven’t stalled the car – it’s turned itself off when you stop. It then comes back to life when you touch the accelerator pedal again.
The icing on the cake has got to be the move to include the magnificent improved 7GTRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Previously only available in the high end Benz’s such as the S –Class, the 7 speed auto glides through the gears. In fact at the time you can hardly notice that it is doing it. This would be partly to do with the fantastic job they have done deadening the sound of the engine. Given that we had two diesels, even when we gave them a bit of stick we could barely hear the noise of the engine – just a muffled growl, at cruising speed – nothing
With safety at the forefront, Mercedes Benz have included nine new driving assistance programmes for this model series. The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations. The systems range from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. In fact there isn’t really anything that you can’t have in this car that you can’t have in the range topping S – Class.
With the C 200 CDI priced at $58,900 (plus dealer del. and govt. charges) the even sportier C – Class is fantastic value and a great safe drive. I am looking forward to the new C Class coupe which, if demand allows, will be hitting our shores in the next 2 -3 months.
Andrew Koch
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