Cleaner, leaner turbo-fed Mercs

One of Mercedes' top sellers' traditional lines are instantly recognisable.

By the end of July more than 45 000 of the locally made C Class models launched in 2007 had been sold here even though there have been mutters about the slightly underwhelming nature of the 1,6 litre engine of the C180.

Without conceding that there was a modicum of unhappiness with the 1,6 engine as well as some confusion about the C180 nomenclature which, to most buyers, would indicate that the car had a 1,8 litre engine and the C200 badge which would normally indicate a 2,0 litre engine, the suits at Mercedes say the new engines were designed mainly to be more eco-friendly and to deliver more performance.

Tweaked - but at a price

They say that the C180 and C200 badges should be read as indicators of cleaner and better performing engines, rather than actual engine size.

And yes, the new cleverly tweaked engines are fractionally better performers, but this comes at an additional R5000 across the model increase in price - and that's before the Government's new emissions tax kicks in.

The new engines are now turbo-charged for the first time (hence the description CGI, which stands for charged gasoline injection) and although Mercedes-speak has it that the driver experiences noticeably greater response and a high level of driving enjoyment. I drove both new engine-models at the Media introduction and to me there was hardly any noticeable difference between the current 1,8 litre and the new 1,8 litre engines.

The living quarters of both models are comfortable and spacious but a bit bland.

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This was particularly so in the C180 model which has an even less responsive engine than the C200.

Not much difference

The new C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (to give its full title) engine develops 115kW, which is the same as the current engine, and 250Nm, which is only 20Nm more than the outgoing model.

Mercedes admits that the version with manual transmission (which I didn't get to drive) is only half a second quicker from 0 to 100km/h than the outgoing model. Now half a second makes a huge difference on a race track, but the average driver commuting between Paarl and Cape Town is highly unlikely to be overwhelmed by it, that is if he even notices it.

The new C200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model also produces an unchanged 135kW although the peak torque has been marginally increased from 250Nm to 270Nm.

Better fuel economy

This, says the German manufacturer, reduces its 0 to 100km/h dash from 8.6 seconds to 8.2 seconds. Yep, that's right: a whopping 00.4 seconds quicker!

Automatic gearboxes are usually a tad slower, so the difference with the auto shift will probably be even less.

Mercedes claims fuel consumption of 10% less than the previous engine and a 12% decrease in emissions discharges.

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However, Mercedes proudly claims fuel consumption of 10% less than the previous engine and a 12% decrease in emissions discharges which will no doubt delight the Warmer World Wailers who wrongly believe cars to be the biggest foul-air offenders.

Other than a new badge here and there to indicate it is now turbocharged, the exterior and interior of the two C-Class models remain unchanged.

The living quarters of both models are comfortable and spacious but rather drearily and darkly bland. What is impressive is the good insulation with hardly a whisper of wind, road or engine noise penetrating the cabin.

Living up to the name

The ride is fairly predictable. It holds the road well, even at pace through the corners, although the suspension leans more towards comfort than performance. The steering is reasonably well-weighted although a little lifeless. Good brakes and a smooth auto change round off what is a good, high-quality package with a badge, name and reputation that has demanded respect for many years.

All four models (a C180 sedan and station wagon and a C200 sedan and station wagon) come standard with a six-speed manual transmission although a five-speed auto box can be had as an expensive option.

As always, safety has been a prime concern.

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The C-Class Mercedes models are hugely popular both locally and overseas, particularly in the USA, and with good reason.

The total package offers good value for money with impressive standard safety, comfort and high-tech equipment, plus a wide range of expensive optional extras. It might not have the wow factor, performance and driving dynamics of competitors such as Audi and BMW, but it makes up for it with solid build quality, a snob-appeal badge and by offering good resale value.

The prices of the new-engined Mercs are:
C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: R339 000 sedan and R348 000 estate.
C200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: R359 000 sedan and R368 000 estate.

These new additions to the C-Class range come standard with a maintenance contract which includes a two-year/120 000km full vehicle warranty and complimentary roadside assistance.

Key technical data for the new C-Class models

* Figures for the sedan, combined NEDC consumption

Specifications

Mercedes-Benz.tv: BlueEFFICIENCY in the C-Class