New look, more efficient Mercedes C-Class
23.12.2010 - Richard Dredge
(19)
A new-look, more efficient Mercedes C-Class will reach showrooms in March 2011, with more than 2,000 changes over the current model.
The most significant changes are to the front of the car, with new shape headlights, a more aggressive grille with prominent air intakes and LED daytime running lights.
Under the skin there are significant changes too, with revised gear ratios for the seven-speed automatic transmission, plus a stop and start system as standard across the range.
For maximum fuel economy, the new C-Class features a lightweight aluminium bonnet while attention to the car's aerodynamics has cut drag to a class-leading 0.26. The result is a 31 per cent improvement in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Power is provided by a choice of six engines and all versions benefit from Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY technology. The most efficient is the 170bhp 2.2-litre C220 CDi diesel engine with manual transmission, which is now capable of returning 64.2mpg and emitting 117g/km of CO2.
On the inside, changes include a high-resolution full-colour instrument display, while a range of driver assistance systems have been added the options list. These include speed limit assist, lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist.
For the first time it's also possible to use the internet on the move, by connecting the multi-media system to a data-enabled mobile phone.
Designed to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, in saloon form the revised C-Class will also take on the Lexus IS.
Prices are yet to been announced, but are expected to remain largely unchanged.
