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21/08/2010
By DEREK OGDEN and EWAN KENNEDY
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Mercedes-Benz, not content with its C-Class being the most popular model in its Australian passenger car line-up, has given it significant upgrades. The turbocharged 2011 Mercedes-Benz C250 is the subject of this week’s road test review.
The supercharged Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor has been discontinued in favour of a turbocharged C200 CGI (the CGI stands for Charged Gasoline Injection; i.e. direct petrol injection).
A second four-cylinder petrol model, the all-new C-Class C250 CGI, has been added to the lineup. It uses the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine as the C200 CGI but with enhanced tuning to give it extra poke – 150 kW against 135kW and 310 Nm versus 270 Nm. The different in fuel consumption is hardly worth talking about, at 7.7 litres per 100km for the C250, opposed to 7.3 litres per 100km of the lower powered engine when measured on the combined urban/highway cycle to the Australian standard.
Power is put to ground via a five-speed automatic transmission that has the Mercedes C250 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. But once you do get it up and running it's a delightful car to drive.
However, it is in energy efficiency that the car really comes into its own. It is a beneficiary of the Mercedes-Benz Blue Efficiency package that is aimed at reducing energy use through weight loss, less aerodynamic drag and reduced rolling resistance.
For example, a new windscreen made of laminated glass, weighing around 1.2 kilograms less than previously. Trimming the weight of the C-Class’s noise insulating firewall lining is another small part of the weight-loss package – every little bit counts.
Aerodynamics see the use of a smooth underbody that cuts air turbulence. Blanking off part of the radiator grille reduces airflow into the engine compartment lowering wind resistance when sensors pass on the message that full cooling isn't required. Sealing joints between body and headlamps, as well as between the bumper and lamps also improve aerodynamics up front.
The exterior mirror housings were developed in a wind tunnel to help in cutting through the air. This not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions, but also makes for a quieter car. Teamed with the aforementioned new windscreen and improved firewall insulation, the door mirrors make the interior of this Mercedes-Benz a pleasant place to travel.
Work was also done on the final drive, reducing friction in the transmission, allowing the engine to expend less energy. Similarly, the power steering pump is called into action only when it is needed.
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 and while this isn't what you would call a sports sedan it has enough enthusiasm in its feel and agility on the road to please all but the most demanding of drivers.
Speed sensitive steering is now more direct and the components parts are not only lighter but also stronger, so therefore, safer in a frontal impact.
We found the steering to be precise and the Benz saloon has a semi-sporting feel that will please those who are looking for more than mere transport. It corners neatly and is willing to change direction quickly should the bend take the driver by surprise.
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 may be about to occur. It then primes brakes to act, with the pads being placed in soft contact with the discs ready to react a few milliseconds sooner to brake pedal pressure.
The car is under the control of an electronic stability program and in the case of an imminent crash there is a Pre-Safe system that prepares the vehicle and its occupants for an accident.
The list of standard features – entertainment and navigation system with single-disc CD/DVD player, 18-inch 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.
The new Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI offers plenty of prestige and takes its place comfortably midmarket in its class at $65,900 for the sedan and $67,790 the estate wagon.
AT A GLANCE
ENGINE:
Type: 1.8-litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Four in-line/four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 1796cc
Bore x stroke: 82mm x 85mm
Compression ratio: 9.3:1
Fuel system: High pressure direct fuel injection turbocharger
Maximum power: 150kW/3800rpm
Maximum torque: 310Nm/2000rpm
Transmission: five-speed automatic with Touchshift
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4581mm
Overall width: 1770mm
Overall height: 1444mm
Wheelbase: 2760mm
Track width, front/rear: 1541/1544mm
Kerb weight: 1585kg
Payload: 485kg
Gross vehicle weight: 2070kg
Boot capacity: 475 litres
Tank capacity/reserve: 66/8 litres
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 7.4sec
Max speed: 210km/h limited
Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 7.7 litres/100km; CO2 emissions, 180g/km
Fuel tank capacity (litres): 65
RUNNING GEAR
Front axle: Three-link suspension, anti-dive, coil springs, gas pressure shock absorbers with amplitude dependent damping system, stabiliser
Rear axle: Multi-link independent suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive, coil springs, gas pressure shock absorbers with amplitude dependent damping system, stabiliser
Brakes: Discs all round, internally ventilated at the front, solid at the rear, drum type parking brake at the rear, ABS, brake assist, ESP
Steering: Rack-and-pinion power steering
Wheels, front: 7.5J x 18; rear 8.5J x 18
Tyres, front: 225/40 R 18; rear 255/35 R 18
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