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| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
Since its introduction at the year 2007, the third-generation
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (designated under its chassis code W204) became a notoriety against the likes of the BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon. With the rise of the Audi A4 B8, it seems that the popularity of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 is fading away not until on 2011, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and
tourer received their much-awaited minor change, which is loaded with a new face derived from its
E-Class brother, and a new interior that matches the qualification of a true Benz.
With its new face lift, the new W204 C-Class gained its much-awaited features such as idling stop system (allows the engine to be shut off automatically when the car stops, available at some models), 7G-tronic transmission for entry-level variants, and the new Comand APS system. The Comand APS system acts like a command center on the new C-Class; communication, navigation, and entertainment are the perfect balance on the Comand APS system.
There are several engines available on the W204 minor change to choose from, depending on which lifestyles will suit you. The C180 BlueEfficiency model has a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, capable of producing 156ps/5000rpm of power, 250 Nm/1600-4200rpm of torque and the fuel economy of 6.7L/100 km combined on a 6-speed manual transmission. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS variant on the C180 BlueEfficiency has a fuel economy of 6.4L/100 km combined. The Benz C200 BlueEfficiency has a choice of a 6-speed manual and 7G-TRONIC PLUS variant. It uses the same 1.8L 4-cylinder engine but with the improved power output of 184 PS. The C250 BlueEfficiency has 204 PS of power in the same 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. C350 BlueEfficiency offers 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive and 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. It offers a power output of 306ps/6500rpm and 370Nm/3500rpm of torque output.
For diesel car customers, the C180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, C200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, and C250 CDI (4MATIC) BlueEFFICIENCY variants are also offered no mater which body styles you're on, the sedan or the tourer variant. Most are equipped with the 4-cylinder CRDi diesel engines and they are Euro V compliant. For the hardcore diesel customers, there's the C300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and C350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY available this summer 2011. Both of these were equipped with the V6 CRDi diesel engine for added power, less emissions.
My thoughts about the C-Class:
Mercedes-Benz's real entry-level luxury sedan, the C-Class W204, is back for another round and for its latest minor change, can the new C-Class W204 step up from its competitors such as the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Audi A4, and Lexus IS? I hope CATS Motors bring the latest minor change of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 soon but expect only gasoline-fed variants. The diesel-fed variants are not fit for our country because we're still a Euro 3 compliant country.
Photo: Daimler AG
