MERCEDES GOES TURBO IN 2010 C-CLASS
Mercedes-Benz improved 2010 C-Class Sedan and Estate lineup provides a clear example of the customer benefits flowing from the German company’s ‘First Choice ‘ value philosophy.
The latest range of luxury compacts feature two new 1.8-litre turbocharged engines (replacing the supercharged C200 Kompressor) and extra kit, but prices have not changed. Entry to the C-Class family is now the $57,900 C 200 CGI model.
Mercedes’ says the new 2010 C 200 CGI and CDI sedans provide $3,089 worth of extra features while the $89,500 C 300 and $97,900 C 350 CDI (prices also unchanged) deliver $7,948 worth of extra goodies.
It’s a similar story in estate models with the C200 CGI ($59,790) and C 200 CDI ($62,805) – also unchanged in price and representing $2,438 worth of extra features.
Highlighting the 2010 improvements is the adoption of the Avantegarde-style front grille with the ‘Benz three-pointed star emblem large and proud in the bold front grille and not mounted on the bonnet. Only C200 CGI and C 220 CDI retain the traditional grille and bonnet-mounted emblem.
Benz’ says the ‘First Choice’ strategy of extra features/unchanged prices stemmed from customer feedback. The company took this direction rather than cutting prices as a result of the reduced passenger car import duty rates effective on I January this year.
What You Get
Headlining the 2010 C-Class are the two new turbocharged petrol engines – C 200CGI and C250 CGI. Both are 1.8-litre, four-cylinder powerplants - the C200 CGI replaced the previous 1.8-litre supercharged Kompressor engine -while the C250 CGI is an addition to the C-Class lineup.
Other petrol engines have not changed – the C 300 (3.0-litre V6) and range-topping 6.3-litre V8 in the C 63 AMG.
Diesel alternatives remain the C 220 CDI (2.1-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel) and the C 350 CDI (3.0-litre, V6 turbo-diesel).
The estate models are C 200 CGI, C220 CDI, C250 CGI and C63 AMG.
Other changes vary according to models and include new alloy wheels, split-folding rear seats, LED daytime running lights, adaptive brake lights, drivers’ side knee airbag and bi-xenon headlights. C63 models gain a reversing camera.
With its massive list of standard features, stunning quality and driving dynamics, the C-Class remains one of Mercedes-Benz’ best-ever models, accounting for 41 per cent of its local sales last year.
Under the Hood
Both the new 200 and 250 engines carry the term ‘CGI’ which in ‘Mercedes-speak’ stands for charged, direct petrol injection. It’s basically the same engine with different outputs – 135kW/270Nm for the 200 CGI and 150kW/310Nm for the 250 CGI.
The outgoing supercharged C 200 Kompressor was good for 135kW/250Nm.
Mercedes’ swapped to the single variable geometry turbocharged engine because it’s more efficient (no engine power required to drive the turbocharger) and lighter than the supercharged powerplant. It’s also more fuel-efficient (economy is down to 7.3l/100kms), faster (zero to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds for the C 250 CGI) and cleaner (171g/km for the C 200 CGI).
Benz’ says the new engine is Euro 5 compliant, more responsive and quieter than the supercharged predecessor.
The Interior
Inside, it’s the same highly equipped, comfortable and competent C-Class. All models gain a 60/40 split-fold rear seat for extra luggage versatility.
C 250 CGI gains the Avantgarde spec with full leather and wood trim (black bird’s-eye maple), the COMAND APS entertainment and navigation system with single-disc CD/DVD player and soft, ambient interior lighting.
For the C 300 and C 350 CDI, add the Vision Package (intelligent light system with Bi-Xenon headlights, Harmon/Kardon sound system and electric sunroof).
We drove both C 200 CGI and C 250 CGI models. With electric seat adjustment and steering wheels adjusting for rake and reach, a comfortable driving position is assured.
Instrumentation is typically Benz’ high standard with conventional dials and the center console navigation including the ingenious foldaway system that keeps the screen out of view when parked. Cruise control is the usual stalk arrangement.
Rear seat legroom is surprisingly good in the C-Class, which is a ‘compact’ in European terms.
Exterior & Styling
All models except the C200 CGI and C 220 CDI have adopted the Avantgarde front grille with the bold Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star and aggressive front-end which looks great. Those same models run 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels while C 250 CGI goes to new, nicely styled, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloys.
C 250 CGI also gains dark-grey tint for the taillights.
All four-cylinder models in the 2010 C-Class lineup are part of Mercedes’ Blue EFFICIENCY lineup. This means they have been developed for maximum efficiency by means of reduced weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. For example the windscreens are made of new laminated glass and weigh 1.2 kilos less.
Other changes include: smooth underbody cladding; partial blanking of the radiator grille; sealed joints around the bonnet and headlights; aerodynamic exterior mirrors; a myriad of mechanical changes and fitment of low rolling-resistance tyres.
On The Road
Driving dynamics of the new C-Class remain top-shelf with impressive levels of refinement at all speeds, taut suspension, precise turn-in and high levels of grip. Both 200 CGI and 250 CGI models drive through a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode.
The turbocharged four-cylinder works well with handy acceleration at highway speeds.
Challenges
Our only minor criticism of the C200 CGI and C250 CGI is the torque delivery. While the new turbo engine is silky smooth and provides handy acceleration at speed, when starting from zero, the acceleration arrives in a rush when the turbocharger takes over…you need to be smooth with the accelerator pedal.
Verdict
Mercedes is to be congratulated for the ‘First Choice’ value strategy which has provided a 2010 version of the C-Class that has responded to the demands of customers with just the right combination of extra features for no extra dollars. And those new turbocharged engines are part of that enchanting value package.
The Competition
Four-cylinder versions of BMW’s 3-Series don’t match the C-Class for power or torque but the driving dynamics are superb.
Audi’s A4 is an excellent, handily sized package and now provides luxury inclusions and ambience to rival both the C-Class and 3-Series – a nice drive too.
Likes: Smart value; beautiful styling; supreme build quality
Dislikes: Mapping of new turbocharged engines needs some work
