Detroit Auto Show : Mercedes-Benz C-class

Mercedes reveals prices and specifications for its updated C-class saloon and estate at the Detroit Auto Show.


A facelifted C-class, whoopty doo! That’ll be more technology, and a bigger, better, stronger and longer car that occupies the market segment largely filled by the previous model. Hey, don’t knock it. That’s 8.5million cars since 1982 even though the C-class proper wasn’t fully on stream until 1993.


The new model goes on sale on March 26, with more than 2,000 changes over the old model although you’d scarcely know it from the mildly facelifted coachwork. Step inside and you will know it, however, with a much needed improvement to the interior quality and design.


The engines are upgraded too, with more power and better economy. Most efficient is the £27,870 170bhp 220 CDi BlueEfficiency model with a manual gearbox which has a 64.2mpg Combined thirst emitting just 117g/km of carbon dioxide – this will be the fleet darling.


With an average 1.6 per cent increase (1.4 per cent for the estate models), launch prices start at £25,515 for the 156bhp C180 manual model, rising to £33,265 for the 204bhp C250 CDI turbodiesel, with the estate typically costing about £1,215 more than the saloon models.


All automatic models are now fitted with the Mercedes seven-speed torque converter autobox, which improves efficiency, although unlike with twin-clutch transmissions fitted to VW rivals, the manual C-class models are still the most economical choice in all cases.


The worst part of the old model was its 00 gauge sandpaper dashboard and door tops, and thankfully this is changed along with the overall design to fit in with the new corporate look. There’s a new telemetric screen for in-car entertainment and satnav functions, and ten new safety features have migrated down the Mercedes-Benz model range to the C-class. These include Attention Assist, which monitors driver behaviour for fatigue, Active lane keeping assistance, blind-spot assistance, speed-limit assistance and intelligent headlamp assistance.


There are three UK model specifications: SE with 16in wheels and tyres, Elegance, which costs £1,295 more and adds 17in wheels and more features, and Sport, which is a further £1,700 more than the Elegance and adds 18in AMG wheels and yet more features.


Style watchers should take note that the Elegance and SE versions get the traditional Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star bonnet mascot, while the Sport model has the star incorporated into the grille.


Source : telegraph.co.uk

Posted in: Auto Shows,Car News,Mercedes-Benz