The saying ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ rings true for many things but automobile makers in their desire to run their rivals into the ground continue to ‘fix it’ - damaged goods or not. For example, Mercedes-Benz, not content with the C-Class being the most sought after model in its Australian passenger car line-up with 41 per cent of sales, has given the popular executive model what the maker says are ‘significant technical and standard equipment upgrades’.

 

For a start, the supercharged C 200 Kompressor has been shunted in favour of a turbocharged C 200 CGI (for charged gasoline injection, or direct petrol injection), while a second four-cylinder petrol model, the all-new C 250 CGI, has been added to the roster. The latter uses the same 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine as the entry-level C 200 CGI but with enhanced tuning to give it extra poke – 150kW against 135kW and 310Nm versus 270Nm, while the difference in fuel consumption is hardly worth talking about at 7.7 litres per 100km opposed to 7.3 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle.

 

Exhaust emissions of carbon dioxide are capped at 180g per kilometre. Power is put to ground via a five-speed automatic transmission which, claims the maker, has the C 250 CGI hitting 100km/h from rest in 7.4 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 210km/h. Flooring the accelerator pedal has the desired effect . . . eventually, the engine management having to think a while before accepting the hurry-up challenge.

 

However, it is in energy efficiency that the car really comes into its own. It is a beneficiary of the Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY package aimed at reducing energy use through weight loss, improved aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. The first is achieved by incorporating a new windscreen made of laminated glass, weighing around 1.2kg less than previously and trimming the weight of the C-Class’s noise insulating firewall lining.

 

The power steering pump is called into action only when it is needed, again cutting energy consumption.

 

Ride and handling are under the direction of the Benz Agility Control suspension which automatically alters damping pressure to suit the load while maintaining responsive handling. It’s quick and effective. Speed sensitive steering is now more direct and parts lighter but stronger and, therefore, safer in a frontal impact. Braking is augmented by Adaptive Braking, a system based on technology found in the flagship S-Class.

 

When the driver abruptly shifts his foot from the accelerator, the system automatically assumes something serious is about to occur and primes brakes to act, the linings being placed in soft contact with the discs ready to react to pedal pressure. A hill holder function is also incorporated in the braking system, making moving off easier on an incline. Safety features are characteristic of a company that has put more than 60 years into its studies.

 

As well as Adaptive Braking the C 250 CGI carries nine airbags, including a kneebag for the driver. ABS anti-skid braking is standard; the doors lock automatically on moving off and unlock in an emergency; brake assist applies full braking in an emergency and causes the brake lights to flash. The car is under the control of an electronic stability program and in the case of an imminent crash a Pre-Safe system which prepares the vehicle and its occupants for an accident. This makes the saloon the only one in its class to feature this safety technology.

 

The list of standard features – entertainment and navigation system with single-disc CD/DVD player, 18in five-spoke alloy wheels, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, double cup holders and an Avantgarde model - puts the C-Class at the top end of its market segment, especially with no change in prices over their predecessors. The new-kid-on-the-block C 250 CGI takes its place comfortably mid market at $65,900 for the sedan and $67,790 the estate.