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Posted on: Jul 04 2007

Mercedes-C 200k

The C-class was a landmark car from Mercedes-Benz, the first of its cars to be designed around the driver. Neat, compact and well built, it is as well engineered as you'd expect a Merc to be, but more fun than most, and now, it has been given the engines it always needed, as well as a freshening-up. But with three larger Mercs above it, is the C really a good buy?

Design, Engineering and Interiors:
The C-class looks like a shrunken E-class with an S-class rear, neat, muscular and sleek. The interlocked headlamps look great, and the squat, taut shape of the car gives it a sporty air. The face-lift has given the C slightly modified and better looking headlamps, and a few nips and tucks around the grille and bumper.

The C-class, like all Mercs, is extremely safe, with a host of electronic aids that prevent the driver from doing anything silly. These include a dozen airbags and chassis control devices like ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution.

Its suspension is very sophisticated, with a three-link axle in front suspended by MacPherson struts and gas-filled dampers, along with a device that prevents the nose diving when you brake. At the rear, there is a multi-link set-up, with anti-dive and anti-squat devices.

The interior, though very well built and stuffed with equipment, isn't as good as it should be — it is decidedly cramped, with a lack of leg-, head- and shoulder-room, especially in the back. Things are better in front, with fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, which help you find the perfect driving position. The face-lift has given the C simpler, round dials and a cleaned-up centre console, which is now less confusing. However, the plastics are still not excellent, especially the switchgear. 

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:
The C-class has an updated pair of engines, a 1.8-litre supercharged petrol, the C200 K, and a common-rail diesel, the C220 CDI.

The C220 CDI is the star of the range, and definitely the one to go for if you plan to do some highway travelling. The engine is actually much the same as the C200 CDI it replaces, but revised electronic mapping means it is more 28bhp more powerful, with 143bhp, and at 32.1kgm, has 7kgm more torque! It runs seamlessly, but the best bit is the performance — the C220 can actually out-accelerate the V6-powered petrol E-class. The engine is extremely flexible, with huge amounts of torque available at all speeds, making it the perfect tool for quick highway passing. Fuel economy has also improved, and is now a commendable 9.7 and 15.2kpl.

The C200 K replaces the slightly underwhelming C180, and should not be confused with the earlier C200 K. This is a 1796cc petrol, with advanced technology like variable valve-timing and a supercharger or Kompressor (hence the K), which gives it 158bhp and 22.5kgm. This gives it far great performance than the C180 — it is 10 seconds faster from 0-160kph! This engine is also more refined and composed, and allows one to take advantage of the excellent chassis.

Fuel economy is surprisingly good for such a powerful car, at 6.9kpl and 10.8kpl, especially considering it is supercharged and uses an auto. Both engines come with an excellent five-speed automatic, which goes through the gears seamlessly, and doesn't let you miss a manual. Tuned slightly stiffer for India, the C-class responds to inputs like a sports car. The steering is very well weighted and accurate, and the car is exceptionally stable, even at Expressway speeds. Grip and poise are superb as well, and it would have been perfect, but for the slightly stiff-kneed ride at low speed.

Verdict:
The C200K (the cheapest Merc variant in India) delivers the complete Mercedes experience, unlike its predecessor, the C180. The C220 CDI is basically a change in engine management system software to the earlier C200 CDI, but is a step-up in performance in the real sense. And so is the driving pleasure and performance from what is now one of the fastest and most efficient Mercs sold in India. The C-Class is one of the best driver’s cars around: with two powerful engines, an excellent chassis, plenty of technology and that three-pointed star, it is easy to see why it is so popular, why many have chosen it as the first step into the Mercedes-Benz experience. However, the interior is really not too good, and at Rs 24 lakh, it is expensive for the amount of metal you get. Servicing and maintenance too are costly. It’s not entirely trouble-free either. Still, for some, the weight of the Merc badge is greater than gold – if you are one of those, the C-class is an excellent choice.
Source: autocarindia.com