Mercedes-Benz impresses
Driving the Mercedes Benz C180 and C200 fitted with the new BlueEFFICIENCY Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI) engine lives up to every expectation. BlueEFFICIENCY, according to Mercedes-Benz is a package of fuel saving technologies from the engine to the wheels where everything is optimised for lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Advancements include improved aerodynamics, weight reduction and lower-displacement engines.
The bottom of the range Mercedes Benz C Class has now been fitted with a new 1796 cc turbo charged engine replacing the 1596cc supercharged engine which has been part of the model range for the last two years. The power output of the new engines remains at 115KW but the new derivative produces an additional 20nm of torque (250Nm in total) making the vehicle more responsive and cutting the 0 to 100km /h speed by half a second to 9.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz C200 still produces 125KW of power but the new engine produces an additional 20nm of torque (270 Nm) which in this case cuts its 0 to 100km/hour sprint to 8.2 seconds.
Remarkably the Mercedes-Benz engineers have managed to trim fuel consumption by 10% over the previous engines and environmentally the new engines have cut emissions by 12%.
Mercedes-Benz have replaced their superchargers which they have termed Kompressors with turbo chargers. The change has been possible due to new technology which allows the turbo chargers to last as long as the previous superchargers.
Both the Mercedes-Benz C180 and C200 models have been known for their excellent comfort, drive and frugal fuel consumption so this new achievement is a credit to Mercedes-Benz engineers pushing technological boundaries.
Besides the excellent ride, improved power output and excellent roadholding buyers are assured that the C Series Mercedes-Benz’s have been made in the best factory in the world. This is according to the research group JD Power who recently awarded the East London based Mercedes Benz plant the JD Power Platinum award for the best production facility on the globe. JD Power based the award on customer service interviews with over 70 000 Americans who have bought cars in the last year.
In an effort to reduce fuel consumption and improve the ride the Mercedes-Benz engineers have improved the noise levels for the drivers as well. On a recent quick trip to Port Alfred and back for lunch I was able to drive both vehicles. Our R72 is not in the best of conditions but the Merc’s handled the uneven road surface, negative cambers and pot holes like a superstar. The cars are very quiet with little discernible road noise. I am told the C Class Mercedes-Benz range sports the lowest drag coefficient in their class which adds to the almost unbelievably low fuel consumption.
The automatic versions have an economy and sport mode. The economy mode is the default mode and you have to select sport mode each time you fire up the engine. I couldn’t resist engaging the sport mode and must say that cars give an incredible ride.
Prices start at R339 000 for the C180 and R359 000 for the C200. Both vehicles are also available in an estate package.
Text and photos by Mike Hendrikse
