Recently Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new C-Class, not a face-lift..... No...... No and it looks set rock the standards C-Segment.

I remember the 1960 Mercedes Benz 220S, well it was 27 years before i was born all the Mercedes Benz models in those days looked and felt like business class vehicles. The S-Class, E-Class and all were setting the standards in those days, but taking a look at the current C-Class all the young aspiring men would like to drive in one of these. 

The new C-Class is larger yet lighter than its predecessor, with a new aluminium-steel hybrid body adding to the many measures that makes the new sedan up to 100kg lighter than its predecessor, the new C is 95mm longer than before, with an extra 80mm having gone into the wheelbase to improve occupant legroom.

FRUGAL ENGINES

The Merc's looker will only come with three engines which will be available at launch. The South African petrol line-up comes up with the C180, fitted with a 1.6-litre direct injection turbopetrol engine that develops 115kW and 250Nm, a 2-litre C200, which offers 135kW and 300Nm. The sole diesel option will be a 2143cc unit that pushes 125kW and 400Nm.

Depending on the engine in question, the C-Class will be available with either a new six-speed manual gearbox or a 7G-Tronic Plus autobox.

AIR SUSPENSION

Big news on the suspension front is that the new C-Class will be optionally available with Airmatic air suspension a first in this segment. The suspension provides continuously variable damping at both ends.

All C-Class models will be fitted as standard with Merc's electromagnetically Direct Steer steering system, which boasts a variable steering ratio.

Elegant interior 

The interior has also undergone something of a radical redesign and Mercedes promises that it will feel like an "upgrade to a higher class of travel".

As with the new A-Class, the new C's dashboard features five round air vents and a free-standing central display - in this case it's available in 17.78cm or 21.33cm sizes, the latter fitted in conjunction with the Comand Online option. Other new features include a touchpad with handwriting recognition and a Head-up display.

Article by: Peter Matsebula