2008 Mercedes-Benz C220 Reviews

The C-Class was the entry to the prestige segment and still resonates as a solid choice. New The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was conceived to compete with the BMW 3 Series at the entry level of the prestige segment. When the W204 series C-Class arrived in 2007 it had the common Benz trait of coming in a bewildering range of

Mercedes-Benz built an enviable reputation based on safe, solid, comfortable and reliable prestige cars, but in recent times it has had to add another element to its appeal: excitement.

Engine and TransmissionThe estate uses the same engine that powers its saloon sibling -- a super-charged four-cylinder engine that puts out 135kW and 250Nm, with power getting to the wheels via a five-speed automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel..Fitted with improved pistons and with modified engine management, the C200 estate boasts impressive performance and fuel consumption  at 8.3litres/100kms.ExteriorThe giant German marque has made sure to hold on to the distinctive Mercedes-Benz characteristics with C200 estate, whilst adding modern elements.The distinctive chrome three-louvered radiator grille and big centred badge plus chrome highlights on the bumpers, wings and doors help to retain the classic Merc presence. The body coloured bumpers, polished aluminium roof rails, an electric glass sun-roof and 17 inch, five twin-spoke, light-alloy wheels give it an edgy modern feel.The side profile highlights a creased waistline following the long rise from the bonnet, over the windscreen then gently down to the top of the tail gate where it drops abruptly and folds into a short rear overhang. The front wheels being pushed right to the front also give the car an athletic, purposeful stance.InteriorInside, the C200 has a sporty flavour with black floor mats and dash, contrasting with the door panels and arm rests in reef grey. The classic Merc heritage is never too far away though, highlighted by black bird’s eye maple and full leather upholstery.As always, quality and attention to detail is easily evident. Electronically adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory settings, three-zone automatic climate control, a Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 sound system and voice recognition functionality are all standard.SafetyFront airbags, window bags and side bags for the driver and front passenger plus window bags and side bags for the side passenger, together with Adaptive Brake Regulation with hillstart assist, ESP, ABS, crash-responsive active head restraints(for front seats) and a tyre pressure loss warning system, completes the substantial safety package.PricingThe C200 estate starts at $58,978.DRIVINGWigley saysAfter recently driving the C63 AMG I was a little apprehensive stepping into the standard wagon because I almost know I’d be let down. But I really wasn’t.Both cars are great in their own ways – the C63 is a performance powerhouse and the estate is a comfortable, refined family wagon – and a damn good one at that.The workmanship and quality of the interior as always is first class. Initially the seats felt a little small but I soon sunk into them and felt completely supported.The flat bottom boot fits a lot but the car itself looks compact from the outside.The revised suspension, especially with the three settings made driving a joy in all conditions.Power, although not mind numbingly raucous, was sufficient enough to be able to merge and overtake without a trickle of fear that you might get rammed.The one gripe I had was the legroom in the back seats. Even with the front seats forward, the back is only really big enough for two mid-sized teenages.Verdict: 8/10Halligan saysI am a big fan of the current C-Class.  The C200 wagon reaffirms this opinion once again. It's a great package and it just feels right when you drive it.It has ample power for its target market. Style, presence, quality and performance are all excellent and I only have one criticism of the C-Class in general. It needs just an extra couple of centimetres between the front and rear seats.While I am not a fan of models growing through their life cycle, I think the C can afford to do so. At the moment it is still virtually the same size as the first generation 190 I parked it beside in the family garage.Start-up families shopping in this price bracket should consider this car. Don't do the normal thing and buy a mid-size 4x4 without first looking at one of these. Do your sums and consider cost of ownership and depreciation. Service costs, tyres and depreciation on most mid 4x4 is ludicrous especially in this price range.Quality, presence and style. More people should consider one.Verdict:  8.2/10  

The new C-Class follows last week’s introduction of the new Estate (wagon) in three variants: C200K, 220CDi and 63AMG.The compact Benz carry-all arrives just as the C-Class rides high on a number of best car awards and sales head north.It’s an impressive car in any form.Even the entry level model looks good, drives well and has the all important three-pointed star on the bonnet.The fact Mercedes-Benz has been able to keep the price static for a decade would also help move metal.It’s essentially the same as the sedan underneath and back to the windscreen.After that the Estate is characteristically a wagon with a one-piece tophinged tailgate and long load space that can be expanded when the rear seats are folded.Mercedes-Benz doesn’t have a small SUV in this segment so the wagon has to cover quite a few bases and fend off plenty of competition from other all-wheel drive competitors.Benz has put a more practical focus on this newcomer, creating space in the back to fit in more stuff.It is available in three grades – classic, elegance and avantgarde with varying levels of standard equipment and exterior appearance.Like the sedan, the avantgarde version is the best looker thanks to its more aggressive front end styling and sporty body add-ons.The 200K runs a 135kW/250Nm supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the 220CDi is a 125kW/400Nm common rail turbo diesel and the 63AMG is a 6.2-litre, 336kW/600Nm petrol V8.Performance is not an issue with any of the variants, certainly not the 63AMG.Drive is to the rear wheels and the two fours have a five-speed auto with sequential change mode, while the AMG has a seven-speed auto, also with sequential mode.Fuel economy is impressive on the two fours with the 200K good for 8.3 litres/100km and the 220CDi capable of a mere 6.2 litres/100km.Prices start at $58,990 for the 200K rising to $141,300 for the wicked 63AMG variant which will arrive here in time.The cars are five-seaters offering plenty of passenger room and a swag of luxury goodies, including leather upholstery, premium audio, climate control and several electronic goodies.Plenty of options are offered to tailor the vehicles, but even with a standard trim, all variants are well equipped.We took the C200K estate variant for a drive last week and for all intents and purposes it felt just like the sedan, offering sporty performance and handling and plenty of feel for the driver.It is compact enough to fit into tight places, but it’s also roomy inside for four adults.Five would be a squeeze.The load space is big and there’s a full-size spare under the floor.A cargo cover is also provided to keep luggage from view.Bluetooth technology has been installed and there is a handy Speedtronic cruise control system.The interior on our test car was a little dull in grey on grey tones, but other colours are available.The dash layout is functional and attractive with a large television monitor in the middle.It remains hidden when not in use.All variants are fitted with comprehensive safety equipment including stability control, multiple air bags and hill-start assist, which means you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake while stopped on hills.We also like the idea of what Benz had called Pre-safe.It readies systems for maximum protection in an imminent crash.