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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
30 July 2007
Mercedes-Benz has had a bit each-way in the styling of its
just-released, all-new C-Class model. Keen to attract a younger buyer
but wary of offending its conservative client base, it is offering two
distinctly different frontal styling themes on its popular small-medium
sedan.
The new C-Class Avantgarde is clearly distinguished by its bold
three-bar grille dominated by a large, embedded Mercedes
three-pointed star. This frontal treatment, borrowed from some of
the sporty Benz coupes, works well giving the car a fresh
appearance that’s likely to appeal to the younger brigade.
Incidentally, when Mercedes-Benz refers to younger drivers they’re
talking about those in their late-30s and early 40s. The Classic
and Elegance models retain the more conservative grille with the
Benz star mounted on the front of the bonnet.
As is often the way with new models, the Mercedes C-Class is
now larger in all dimensions than its predecessor; 55 mm longer,
42 mm wider and 14 mm taller. This increased size is further
enhanced visually by the wheels being pushed close to the outer
extremity of more pronounced wheel arches. Despite the increase in
size weight has been reduced slightly.
Step inside the C-Class and you are quickly reminded that it is
a small-medium car. Being above average height I found headroom to
be at a premium in cars with sunroofs. Likewise rear headroom
could be an issue for taller passengers with rear legroom
acceptable provided that there is sharing between front and rear
occupants.
In Australia the new C-Class is available with a choice of
three engines, a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol
engine (in the C200 K), a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 (C280),
and a 2.1-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (C220 CDI).
We were able to sample each of the new C-Class models over a
400-kilometre route to the north of Melbourne predominantly in
motorway and country conditions. With increased power and torque
in all three engines, combined with a slight reduction in weight,
performance has been improved. This is especially noticeable in
the C220 diesel where torque has been increased from 340 to 400
Newton metres. It doesn’t have the refinement of the V6
petrol-powered C280 but that’s to be expected in diesels.
The car’s larger footprint together with suspension
enhancements has improved its driving dynamics. Steering is even
more precise than before and the C-Class corners safely and
reliably.
There is excellent all-round visibility with a large
windscreen, narrow A-pillars and bigger side mirrors than in the
previous model. In the Elegance and Avantgarde models the side
mirrors automatically fold inwards when the ignition key is
removed.
The already high level of safety equipment in the C-Class has
been increased and it now comes with eight airbags protecting
front and rear seat passengers. There’s also crash responsive
head restraints, stability and traction control, ABS brakes with
brake assist with these features being integrated into a system
called Pre-Safe which activates when it senses an impending
collision.
Another feature likely to appeal to those ‘young’
40-year-olds is an information/entertainment system called Comand
APS which includes satellite navigation, four gigabyte music
server and six-disc CD player including mp3, DVD-player, Bluetooth
interface and voice activation. Comand APS is a $3900 option on
Classic and Elegance models and standard on Avantgarde.
Prices start at $56,990 for the C200 K Classic with the C220
CDI Classic an attractive proposition at $60,274. The Elegance
package adds $3500 to these prices and the Avantgarde styling and
features cost an additional $5700. Prices jump to $84,974 for
either the C280 Elegance or the C280 Avantgarde. An AMG Sports
Package, including body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, large
perforated brakes, sports seats, steering wheel gear shift
paddles, is available for $12,000 on the C200 K and the C220 CDI,
and $6300 on the C280. A full AMG version of the C-Class, the C63
AMG, will follow next year as will Estate (wagon) variants.
Five-speed automatic is standard in the four-cylinder models
and C280 comes with a seven-speed auto. Manual transmission is
available as a no-cost option in the C200.
The C-Class has long been the biggest selling model in the
Mercedes-Benz range, both worldwide and in Australia. The
improvements to this all-new model, together with the bold grille
and competitive pricing will ensure that nothing changes in that
regard.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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