Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2011 review

How do you make a good thing better? This would have been the challenge at Mercedes-Benz when developing the mid-life makeover for the current generation C-Class, Merc's most popular car.

They attacked the problem on a number of fronts tweaking the looks with more angular CLS-style headlights and sporty frontal and rear styling treatment. They introduced BlueEfficiency measures across the entire range to optimise fuel economy and minimise emissions. They introduced a seven-speed auto across the range and two new diesel engines one with an incredible 500Nm output from a "mere" 2.1-litre four cylinder.

Putting this into perspective, many current V8 petrol engines struggle to generate that amount of grunt. Further aiding emissions reduction is the use of engine stop/start and "eco" driving "tuition" on the diesels. Mercedes also took the opportunity with this model to introduce a raft of new safety and luxury technology, some of which is standard equipment, some in packages and some as stand alone options.

Distronic Plus radar cruise control is one such option as is active lane keeping which brakes one side of the car to steer it back into a lane if the driver strays. Aluminium is used more generously in the new car for the bonnet, front guards and suspension components while LED front driving lights and tail lights also make an appearance.

Prices start from $58,900 for the C200 petrol sedan, two grand more for the wagon across the range.

Design

The interior has been comprehensively redesigned with a more homogenous look that flows from one side to the other and integrates the switches and dials more successfully. A new telematics platform is used offering more functions and easier operation.

A new steering wheel contains up to 12 control buttons for audio, cruise control, information, oh, and the horn. More attractive "galvanised" fascia adorn the interior which is easier to use and looks a lot better than before.

Safety

Safety is well addressed with nine airbags a slew of electronic controls/systems designed to either minimise injury or avoid a collision. Pre-safe which readies the car for a crash to offer maximum passenger protection is standard in all models. Pre-safe brake will automatically apply up to 100 per cent of possible brake force to mitigate an impact.

Technology

Fuel economy across the board has improved in both turbodiesel and turbo petrol engines. The most efficient is the 500Nm CDi250 which achieves a combined rate of 5.1-litres/100km. Other engines aren't far behind including the 1.8-litre turbo and direct injection petrol four cylinder models. All engines meet Euro 5 emissions regulations due to come into force here in a few years.

In luxury terms, the revised C-Class doesn't miss out with plenty of electronic communications and entertainment technology making an appearance including a 40 gigabyte hard drive for the satnav and audio system which has audio streaming.

The satnav system is linked to a dynamic guidance system and audio broadcast facility provided by SUNA. It will advise of traffic problems and reprogram your route to avoid it - clever.

Driving

We tried sedan and wagon variants of all four cylinder powertrain options and really enjoyed the C250 petrol turbo four the most. It is a compact sporty car offering superb ride and handling in a comfortable and stylish package. Performance is strong. The high output diesel, infact all the four cylinder powered cars we drove, were engaging and comfortable. We can't imagine what the six cylinder petrol and diesel must be like...