BLUE PLANET - NEW C CLASS MERC------------------------------------------------
Two of the best things about Mercedes' latest C180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY sedan are that it's assembled in East London and that, despite the technical innovations that have reduced its fuel consumption, the price is the same as the model it replaces.
The car, available only as a six-speed manual but in sedan and wagon format, also has a host of fuel-saving measures but only a couple make a real difference (be patient). Nevertheless, as we were told during a media presentation in Gauteng, a lot of little bits add up to a lot and the bottom line is that Merc claims an 0.7 litres/100km reduction in fuel consumption over the model it replaces - about 12 percentThose missing 199cc will save you, Merc says, 0.35 litres/100km.
The main change drew a collective shock-'n-awe gasp from the assembled motoring journos: buy this new C180 and you'll be driving a (don't tell the neighbours) sub-1.6-litre family car. Despite the drop from 1796 to 1597cc, the supercharged four cylinders produce the same 115kW at 5200rpm and 230Nm from 3000-4500rpm and the car is eminently driveable with a top speed in excess of 230km/h.
And 9.5sec to 100km/h, given the size of the car and the gear it carries, is pretty good, too. But don't try it too often or you'll soon use up the fuel savings.
Those missing 199cc will save you, Merc says, 0.35 litres/100km yet you won't feel a difference in performance. After driving one for more than 130km through town and country in the hilly hinterland around Hartbeespoort dam, I'll happily concede the pointThe car is also 15mm lower - again, less drag.
This real-world drive, according to the car's trip data computer, averaged 7.4 litres/100km at average speed of 84km/h (town and country, remember) while carrying two adults. Frankly, that's not bad. Mercedes claims 6.7 litres, but that's under special, perfect conditions.
So, what other "small things" did Merc's meticulous mechanics came up with to reduce not only fuel consumption but also CO2 emissions? First, a fully flushed underbody to smooth the car's passage through the air (the Cd is now a remarkable 0.25,the normal C-Class 0.27); the space around the headlights has been sealed, the radiator grille partly closed and the weight of sound insulation materials reduced – without increasing engine or road noise.
The car is also 15mm lower - again, less drag. And the power-steering pump switches off when the car is moving straight ahead. That saves another 0.14 litres/100km.
The windscreen is thinner and lighter, the engine itself is lighter and the gearing and final-drive ratios have been amended towards the "economy" end of the scale. The total weight saving is around 32kg.
All well and good but will Merc-lovin' motorists be willing to sacrifice cubes and bragging rights at the golf club for a few bucksworth of petrol? Will he or she be prepared to obey the fuel-saving gearshift indicator that helpfully has pride of place dead centre on the instruments?
Will a canny eye be kept on the fuel-consumption meter rather than the rev counter or will the temptation to blast past slower traffic overcome "doing the right thing of the planet?"
Merc's betting big on the former though no spokesman at the launch was willing to forecast sales figures. But it doesn't really matter because the 1.8 engine has gone; you want an entry-level Merc with the luxury one brings, then you'll be doing the right thing for the planet anyway.
Which pretty much sums up the corporate thinking on a "green" world and fuel efficiency that is backed up by clean diesel, battery and fuel-cell cars that are either under development or in production under the company's 'True Blue Solutions' mandate.
Another seven kg has come off the aerodynamically-styled alloy rims.
Mercedes' Mobilo 120 maintenance contract and a two-year unlimited distance warranty come with the package.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Cylinders: Four .
Capacity: 1597cc.
Fuel system: Supercharged fuel-injection. .
Power: 115kW at 5200rpm.
Torque: 230Nm from 2000-4500rpm.
TRANSMISSION Six-speed.
Type: Manual.
SUSPENSION
Front: Three-link suspension, anti-dive, coil springs, gas-
pressure shock absorbers with amplitude-dependent
damping system, stabiliser.
Rear: Multi-link independent suspension, anti-squat and
anti-dive, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers
with amplitude-dependent damping system, stabiliser.
STEERING
Type: Rack-and-pinion power steering, steering damper.
Steering column adjustment: Manual, height and reach.
BRAKES
Front: Discs, internally ventilated at the
front, solid at the rear. Drum parking brake at the rear,.
Driver aids: Anti-lock, Brake Assist, ESP.
WHEELS/TYRES
Rims: 7 J x 16.
Tyres: 205/55 radials.
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Length: 4518mm.
Width: 1770mm.
Height: 1447mm.
Mass: 1970kg.
FUEL TANK/CONSUMPTION
66 litres/7.4litres/100km.
TOP SPEED
230km/h (claimed).
ACCELERATION
0-100km/h: 9.5sec.
