Mercedes puts more power in C Class

The Mercedes Benz C Class is now in its fourth generation, with the outgoing model being their most successful yet with over 2 million sold worldwide. The success of this model is highlighted by the fact that Australia has been without any new C Classes to sell in the last three months because the run out of the previous model was so successful.
The 2007 C Class is now here. It is longer, wider and more powerful than its predecessor, and will cost you less.
To capture a wider demographic – the average age of the C Class buyers is currently 50, with MB hoping to lower this to 40 – Mercedes Benz has decided to hit the market with three individual models. For the first time in a Merc saloon, the radiator grille is being used to distinguish the model line-up. The sporty variant is the Avantgarde, with the three cornered star centrally positioned in the grille. The Classic and Elegance models have the more traditional star on top of the bonnet.
Three engines are currently available in Australia There are two petrol; the C200, a four cylinder 1.8 litre Kompressor which outputs 12.5 percent more power than the previous model outputting 135kW, but still feels a little sluggish. This I feel has more to do with the gear ratios, with a slow kick down when trying to accelerate hard. This can not be said for the C280 a 3.0 litre V6 outputting a very respectable 170Kw of power.
My favorite is the C220 CDi, a four cylinder turbo diesel, which you barely hear, a vast improvement from the previous model which sounded like a truck. This engine outputs 125kW of power and a fantastic 400Nm of torque and is priced at $8000 less than the previous model.
Besides the already comprehensive list the standard safety features you expect with a Benz like ABS, ESP, parking sensors, eight airbags and anti whiplash head restraints, PRE-SAFE® comes standard as well, across the whole range. PRE-SAFE® starts preparing the vehicle and its occupants for an imminent crash, automatically shutting windows and sunroof before impact, then if impact occurs shutting off the fuel line, unlocking doors, turning on hazard lights and opening windows a small distance to allow some ventilation.
Inside the cabin you will find a well laid out cockpit with a sporty edge to it. Multi-function steering wheel and leather are standard across the range. Standard in the C280 and an option in the rest of the range is the MB Command APS providing voice operation, a music server, DVD, sat nav. as well as a blue tooth capability. Gone are the days of trying to spell a street name, find a phone number or radio station, just say it and the system finds it.
The high-performance C63 AMG will follow later this year, together with wagon version. The two-door sports coupe variant will likely not arrive until later in 2008. The new, fourth-generation C-Class is just about everything buyers like: it’s stylish, swift and lavishly-equipped, even without all the option packages.
AUTO FACTS
Price: $56,990-$84,974
Engine: 1.8L 4 cyclinder Kompressor petrol, 3.0L V6 petrol, 2.2L turbo diesel
Transmission: 5-speed auto with touchshift, 7-speed auto with touchshift
Good: Great styling and safety package
Bad: C200 still a little sluggish