New C-Class Estate 'magnificent'

SPENDING two days behind the wheel of a car in atrocious weather conditions may not be everybody's cup of tea. Last week, World of Wheels attended the launch of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate which started in Johannesburg with an overnight stop at Clarens in the Free State and then back to the City of Gold again.

But, it was raining like the beginning of the Second Flood! We expected to see Noah's ark stuck on top of the Maluti Mountains during our epic launch drive.

But because the Estate is such a magnificent car, the drive was concluded in a safe and stress-free manner.

This is due to the exemplary suspension comfort coupled with outstanding vehicle handling.

Thanks to a new four-link front axle, it offers driving pleasure and ride comfort at the same time.

All models of the C-Class family now feature an electromechanical Direct-Steer system. The power-steering assistance provided by the rack-and-pinion steering gear is controlled as needed.

Three models are available:

The range includes two BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines with power outputs from 115kW to 135kW for the C180 and C200 respectively and one BlueTEC four-cylinder diesel engine with 150kW of power for the C250 BlueTEC.

The dimensions have grown considerably. With an 80mm increase in the wheelbase (2840mm) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 96mm longer (4702mm) and 40mm wider (1810mm).

The resulting increase in space primarily benefits the rear-seat passengers, who now enjoy 45mm more leg room. There is also more interior width and head room.

Is there anything we dislike about the vehicle?

We don't like the idea of no spare wheel, jack and wheel spanner. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Marketing director for Mercedes-Benz cars, Selvin Govender announced that Merc dealers countrywide would soon have a tyre retail and repair facility for general maintenance.

The second dislike is the strip LED taillights which are practically invisible in poor daylight. At 50m, one cannot see the LED taillights while older cars with old-fashioned bulbs are clearly visible at 200m.

In spite of these minor gripes, the new Estate lives up to Mercedes-Benz's reputation of building top-class products.

The C-Class Estate comes with a six-year/100000km maintenance plan.

Prices are:

C 180 Estate R447600;

C 200 Estate R468300;

C 250 BlueTEC Estate R558400.

- Bobby Cheetham