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.February 04, 2004
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This Week:

• The Sky's the Limit With the New 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

• Lexus to Show the All-New GS Sedan and RX 400h Luxury Hybrid SUV at the Chicago Auto Show

• BMW 760i: The Ultimate Luxury Driving Machine - Now In A Performance Version

• Mazda RX-8 Wins Wheels Car Of The Year

• Ford Sees Luxury Trend Continuing To Grow

• The new-generation C-Class from spring 2004

• Top athlete and luxury saloon: Audi A8 6.0 quattro

• Agreement signed with Dongfeng Motor in the presence of Chinese President Jintao and French Prime Minister Raffarin

• Nissan Announces Name Change on Full-Size SUV

• Bangle Strengthens Design Teams Of The BMW Group

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The new-generation C-Class from spring 2004

Even more dynamism, quality and modern appeal: fresh impetus from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Photo: DC
 

Available in Saloon, Estate or Sports Coupé guise, this Mercedes model series features a new-look front section - bumper, radiator grille and headlamps - that gives the cars a dynamic appearance even when stationary.

Sales of the current C-Class - which was launched in May 2000 offering state-of-the-art technology, a high level of long-distance comfort and sporty agility - have now topped the 1.26 million mark. Never before has Mercedes-Benz sold so many cars from the same model series in such a short space of time.

By introducing this major model enhancement package, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is augmenting the tried-and-trusted features of the C-Class, whilst at the same time raising standards, especially in terms of dynamism, comfort and perceived value.

Exterior: new-look front section, wider tyres and paintwork with greater scratch resistance

Major styling elements that define the cars' dynamic looks include the newly designed front bumper, featuring a prominent lower air intake with sports-car over-tones, as well as the new radiator grille which now has three louvres, giving a wider and hence more powerful feel. These louvres are either painted or feature an even more dynamic perforated design, depending on the model and appointments. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will have clear-lens headlamps fitted as standard.

The enhanced interior of the C-Class is a testament to the great care and meticulous attention to detail displayed by the Mercedes designers. This is immediately apparent in the tasteful use of chrome trim around many of the controls on the dashboard. It is also reflected in the newly developed switches and the modified seats which feature a different design for each line and provide added comfort.

Even the standard CLASSIC model comes with new fine-wood trim as standard, thus further improving the appearance of the centre dome and centre console. Meanwhile there is a choice of trim for the AVANTGARDE line: aluminium (standard) or bird's-eye maple (optional). Standard equipment for this model variant includes seat covers made from a combination of fabric and a new material called ARTICO.

Engines: new, powerful petrol model and a boost in output for the C 220 CDI

Mercedes-Benz is extending the engine line-up for the Saloon and Estate models by introducing the supercharged powerplant developing 141 kW/192 hp, which was previously only available for the Sports Coupé. With a peak torque of 260 Nm, the four-cylinder engine propels the C 230 KOMPRESSOR from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds (Estate 8.7 seconds) and enables a top speed of 240 km/h (Estate 235 km/h). Thanks to the TWINPULSE system, which combines various technologies such as a compressor, balancer shafts, intercooler, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, the engine consumes just 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC combined consumption, Estate 9.3 litres per 100 km).

The power output of the tried-and-trusted four-cylinder diesel engine at the heart of C 220 CDI has been boosted to 110 kW/150 hp (from 105 kW/143 hp). This state-of-the-art powerplant features second-generation common-rail direct injection and is equipped with balancer shafts to ensure exemplary refinement. Its fuel consumption is a mere 6.1 litres per 100 km (NEDC combined consumption, Estate 6.6 litres per 100 km).

In addition, a highly sophisticated particulate filter system requiring no additive helps to make sure that the C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI diesel models comply with the EU-4 emission standard which is due to come into force in 2005.

Technology: premiere for new cornering light system

New innovations that are designed to provide even greater comfort and safety serve to underpin the reputation of the C-Class as a technology trendsetter in this market segment. Notable examples include the powerful bi-xenon headlamps which Mercedes-Benz combines with a special cornering light function. For the first time, the cornering light system has been integrated in the fog lamp, thus enabling illumination of a wide area alongside and in front of the car, meaning that pedestrians and cyclists are easier to spot when turning. Visibility on tight bends is also improved with this new system installed.

From spring 2004, the C-Class will feature a further-improved generation of car radios. Among the systems available are a radio/CD combination (Audio 20 CD) and two devices with an integral navigation system (Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS). The latter two systems enable Europe-wide navigation and dynamic route guidance based on the latest traffic information. The top-of-the-range COMAND APS model - which also incorporates DVD navigation, a CD player, large colour display (6.5") and four 50-watt amplifiers - can also be used to send and receive SMS and e-mail messages.

(Feb 02, 2004)