C-Class Estate hooked on diesel?

Mercedes-Benz could offer diesel alternatives in its C-Class Estate, or 'station wagon.' The new C-Class Estate will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, and will be launched here in the second quarter of next year.

Models, specifications and pricing will be announced closer to its Australian release, but diesel engines could be offered.

DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific corporate communications senior manager David McCarthy says it is “a bit early as we don't have production slots yet, but we are looking at it (diesel).”

The C-Class wagon presently comes only with petrol engines, the C 200 Kompressor with the 1796cc, 120kW four-cylinder and C 230 with the 2496cc, 150kW V6. The new four-cylinder Kompressor petrol engines have a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons to boost power by up to 11 per cent.

However, the new line-up also could include the powerful C 350 V6 petrol and a four-cylinder diesel engine for the first time.

The new C-Class sedans have arrived here with the 200kW C 350 as well as the option of a C 220 CDI diesel engine with 125kW of power and 400Nm of torque and 6.1L/100km fuel economy.

There is also the possibility of a new C 320 CDI diesel with an output of 165kW.

With the exception of the C 350, all engine variants are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The C 350 gets the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

It is expected to again be offered in three model lines including Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde.

Avantgarde features a large Mercedes star in the centre of the radiator grille, which has been used for Benz's sporty models in the past.

Elegance gets a three-dimensional, louvered radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish, and Classic is more traditional. An AMG sports package with sports suspension, 15mm lower and 17-inch light-alloy wheels is available.

Cargo capacity is up 146 litres to 1500 litres and it comes with features for easy loading and safe transportation, including a tailgate that opens and closes at the push of a button.

Maximum interior load length is 2.82m from tailgate to the front passenger footwell, which is 17cm more than the previous model estate.