Merc sharpens up

DAVID LINKLATER looks at Mercedes' fresh image for its C-class model

Mercedes-Benz is set to shake off the staid image of the C-class with a new model which takes many of its styling cues from the sleek S-class.

The most striking visual elements of the model are the S-class-style headlights and rear lamps, and the dramatic, sweeping roofline. The door mirrors also feature integrated turn indicators, another design feature borrowed from the flagship sedan.

The C-class is based on a new platform and is expected to improve on the already-impressive handling of the current car with a three-link suspension at the front and substantial revisions to the geometry of the multi-link setup at the rear.

Cabin space, another strength of the outgoing sedan, has also had a boost through a 25mm-longer wheelbase. The dashboard and interior surfaces pick up the curvaceous lines and large central speedometer first seen in the smaller A-class, while a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel will be fitted to most models.

A trickle-down effect will be evident from the advanced S-class, with electrical and computer-control systems shared between the two.

The new C-class is slightly heavier than the current car model-for-model, but any potential power-to-weight deficits should be countered by the lively new range of engines.

The 1.8-litre four in the entry-level C180 has been replaced by a two-litre unit. A supercharged version of the same engine, which already features in the facelifted SLK convertible, will also be offered in sportier versions.

The six-cylinder lineup comprises a 2.6-litre engine to take over from the existing 2.4-litre unit, while the top model is upgraded from the current 2.8-litre powerplant to a 3.2-litre unit.

A year after the launch, a high-performance AMG-tuned model will also join the lineup. The last C-class sedan from the famous tuning house was the V8-powered C43, but its replacement will be a supercharged version of the top 3.2-litre V6 variant, which will be known as the C32 Kompressor.

Mercedes' reputation for fine diesels will also be bolstered by the new model. A 2.2-litre CDi will be available in Europe but a 2.7-litre, five-cylinder version is more likely for New Zealand. Both are high-tech common rail powerplants.

Standard on all manual-transmission models will be a new six-speed gearbox. The five-speed automatic has also been upgraded with a Tiptronic-style semi-automatic shift mechanism.

Rear-drive has been retained for the sedan, while the as-yet-unseen estate version will offer the option of Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel-drive system - now used in left-hand-drive versions of the larger E-class - in a bid to rival Audi's highly regarded quattro A4 Avants. Following the C-class load-carrier next year will be a three-door hatchback.

The current C-class has been one of Mercedes' most successful models, with more than 1.8 million produced in its seven-year lifespan. Limited numbers of the new sedan are expected to arrive in New Zealand in December.