Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2007 News

A vote by 75 motoring journalists from 22 countries has awarded the compact prestige car the World Car of the Year award for 2015.It finished on top of a 24-car field and eventually beat the two other finalists, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Passat.The other big prizes for 2015, Green Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year, went to the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe.The winners were announced at the New York Motor Show today at an event hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum at the culmination of a six-month voting process.The C-Class delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.The awards are in their 11th year and previous winners include the Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Lexus LS460 and Volkswagen Golf, Polo and Up.To be eligible for the overall World Car award, candidate cars must have become available for sale on at least two continents between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.The WCOTY wins by Mercedes-Benz follow its victories in the Green Car contest in 2007 with the E320 Bluetec and 2012 with the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and its Luxury Car success with the S Class in 2014.“We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year,” says the chairman of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche.The WCOTY victory follows a similar success for the C-Class in the CarsGuide Car of the Year award.The WCOTY judging panel says: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.” WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015Overall winner: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassGreen Car: BMW i8Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GTLuxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S CoupeDesign: Citroen CactusPREVIOUS WORLD COTY WINNERS:2014: Audi A32013: Volkswagen Golf2012: Volkswagen Up2011: Nissan Leaf2010: Volkswagen Polo2009: Volkswagen Golf2008: Mazda22007: Lexus LS4602006: BMW 3 Series2005: Audi A6

Until the appearance of the W204 generation last year, it was more or less accepted wisdom that if you fancied yourself behind the wheel then Stuggart's C car couldn't trouble Munich's 3 car in the gratification stakes. It could well be that the latter would still outshine the former on the skidpan or in the moose test. In the real world the C-Class has forged ahead. If a large chunk of the difference is attributable to the singular unsuitability of BMW's rigid run-flat tyres to the wretched roads of the so-called Premier State, the dynamic poise and competence of the Merc cannot be underestimated. And if the lesser C-Classes equal or shade the comparable 3 Series in most respects — not least in sheer daily liveability — the C320 CDI beats 'em hollow. The economy and general eco-niceness of the best turbo diesels ought not come as hot news. What might raise eyebrows — what indeed had mine vainly searching for a hairline — is that this turbo diesel is a fine sporting sedan, one that does what it does in a manner that's more or less peerless. Into a C-Class that's already a dynamic leap over the previous generation has been placed a V6 turbo diesel found elsewhere in a two-tonne SUV, imbuing this 1700kg sedan with torque not far short of a Holden V8. The zero to 100km/h run-time is listed at 7.7 seconds — half a second slower than the V6 petrol C280 — but this barely hints at the impact of the diesel's mid-range punch. A sublime freeway cruiser (of course), on regional roads the Merc is majestic. Such is the extent of the C320's ability to carry speed into and through corners; that a glance at the speedometer can be disconcerting. Like the brilliantly sorted device it is, it seldom feels to be travelling at the rate indicated. The very same mid-corner bumps that have undone European cars of a sporting bent see the Mercedes roll on as though it were a native son. Direct and sniper-accurate steering is to some extent belied by the lightness of feel, but there's neither the sometimes tiresome heaviness of the 3 Series at low speed or the vagueness of an Audi. That characteristic hesitancy of diesels when getting off the line is less pronounced in the Merc than in any of the dozens of oilers we've sampled. Stomping the accelerator on a loose surface prompts the deftest electronic intervention; the ESP is as confidence enhancing, in its way as the brakes. When the ABS threshold is breached in a simulated emergency at 110km/h, the Merc stops with exceptional adroitness. Mercedes's 7G-Tronic automatic transmission marries blissfully to this powertrain. Seldom will you feel the need to engage the gearshift's manual mode. Low-rev diesel rattle aside, the running is as silent as you've every right to expect from this marque. Indeed, when the diesel is audible its note is, if anything, preferable to the uninspiring monotone of its petrol V6 sibling. That's just one respect in which the diesel is superior; economy is, naturally, the foremost. And this need not be sacrificed at the altar of enjoyment; even with a prolonged period of pushing on, the official figure for combined cycle consumption was exceeded by the narrowest of margins over the entire journey. In the struggle to find substantive criticism, we're pretty much confined to repeating those made previously; that the cabin doesn't seem near $100,000 worth; that $100,000 is the least you'll pay once you touch the options list; $100,000 is just too expensive. And, for a sedan — albeit one of compact dimensions — rear seat accommodation is not generous. The exterior look is either the more traditional Elegance (the fabled tristar sits atop the bonnet lip) or Avantgarde (it's plastered over the grille a la the SLK). The latter is meant to be the “sportier” and in this iteration of C-Class, it does not flatter to deceive. A caveat comes from a colleague who would be hard put to justify the massive premium over the lesser C220 CDI ($60,300). Another is adamant that the ultimate C-Class oiler is not the equal of BMW's 335d twin-turbo diesel. But the latter isn't available here, and surely wouldn't be bought at the C 320's price, and — on the basis of its otherwise excellent petrol sibling — just couldn't deal with the same stretches of pitted and pockmarked bitumen that the Merc consumes with an inspired combination of compliance and aggression. Hence the list of ostensible rivals presented page right is fairly flattering to them. The Audi, whose fine drivetrain and class-leading interior makes it the most convincing of the current A4 range, is due for imminent replacement and in any case cannot approach the dynamics of the rear-wheel-drive Mercedes. It's difficult to see how the new versions, due from April, will drastically change that. The Chrysler runs a version of the Merc's engine, but its visual statement and one-dimensional drive character belong to boulevard cruising. And despite its own beaut engine, this holds true for the outgoing S-Type.   The bottom line If the C320 isn't perfect, it is peerless.   Snapshot Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI price: $93,800 engine: 3L/V6 turbo diesel; 165kW/510Nm economy: 7.7L/100km transmission: 7-speed auto; RWD   The rivals Audi A4 3.0 TDI QUATTRO price: $86,700 engine: 3L/V6 turbo diesel; 171kW/450Nm economy: 8.4L/100km transmission: 6-speed auto; AWD   Chrysler 300C CRD price: $57,990 engine: 3L/V6 turbo diesel; 160kW/510Nm economy: 8.2L/100km transmission: 5-speed auto; RWD   Jaguar S-TYPE 2.7 DIESEL price: $103,990 engine: 2.7L/V6 turbo diesel; 152kW/435Nm economy: 8.1L/100km transmission: 6-speed auto; RWD  

BMW's X5 3.0-litre diesel, the all new Mercedes-Benz C280 and Holden's latest rendition of the tradie's sportscar, the VE Ute SV6, today join the previously announced contenders in the run to the winn

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. 

Mercedes-Benz has launched an extensive value-added campaign to hit back at aggressive incursions into its customer base by luxury rivals. With BMW, Audi and Lexus all improving market share ahead of Mercedes, the once-dominant luxury leader has added equipment and technology across its range.While the additional features are accompanied by price increases up to $5100, Mercedes insists the overall value equation is a positive for customers.Mercedes-Benz Australia's Horst von Sanden says the widespread moves are not simply a knee-jerk reaction to the success of other luxury brands.“We have spent a lot of time listening to our customers about what they need and want in their new Mercedes-Benz and these changes are commensurate with their feedback,” von Sanden says.“These model revisions have been in development for some time. The all-new C-Class was the first car in our range to benefit from this new approach to our product strategy.”Von Sanden says Mercedes has undertaken extensive research into what customers want in each of the product ranges. “As I have previously stated, leadership is not solely about numbers. Mercedes-Benz's goal is to be able to offer the best possible products and services to customers in order to exceed their expectations,” von Sanden says.Mercedes claims that about 70 per cent of the model range has benefited from the upgrades with much of the additional equipment, such as side and curtain airbags, the night-vision system and keyless start systems, previously having been offered as optional extras.BMW holds a comfortable lead in the luxury passenger car market this year with almost 1500 more sales than Mercedes.Mercedes has improved its sales figure by just 1.7 per cent over last year, while BMW is up more than 7 per cent and Audi, from a much lower base, is 43 per cent ahead of where it was in 2006. Lexus is showing an 11per cent improvement for the same period. 

Mercedes-Benz is unleashing an all-out assault on the luxury passenger market with its all-new C-Class. “It is our aim to win the leadership position in this sector and when I say the leadership position I don't mean providing Australian customers with just another option,” Mercedes-Benz Australia boss Horst Von Sanden says of the move.“What you'll see is a totally new design from the ground up ... the new C-Class takes Mercedes-Benz design to another level.”Mercedes and its traditional German luxury rival BMW have recently begun looking over their shoulder at the activities of Audi, which has been shaking up the Australian luxury market with 41per cent year-on-year growth.On sale from this weekend, the new C-Class arrives with a trimmed model line-up: three engines only and all of those at the smaller end of the scale. There will be no C350 V6 petrol nor C320 V6 diesel available and while the official line is that they are “not off the radar” there are no firm plans to add them to the model line-up.The C-Class range opens with a C200 Kompressor supercharged in-line four-cylinder at $56,990, adds a C220 CDI four-cylinder turbo-diesel at $60,300 and is topped (for the moment) by the three-litre C280 V6 at $85,500.In the second quarter of next year the spanking AMG C63 will join the local garage. “The decision not to launch with all the models has been made for a variety of reasons,  most of which are business related,” says Mercedes Australia's Peter Fadeyev. “They are certainly not off the radar but there are no firm plans.”Styling for the new car remains unmistakably Mercedes, with plenty of cues from the big-brother S-Class, particularly the sculpted wheel arches. Compared to the outgoing model, the new car gets a higher and more vertical grille for improved pedestrian collision safety, while the boot is neatly tapered without a lip spoiler.To achieve its remarkably low 0.27 co-efficient of drag (Cd), Mercedes employs vents in the tail lights to create a neutral air-pressure zone behind the car. Sedan trim levels are differentiated by a radically different nose treatment.In what used to be the exclusive province of “real” Mercedes sports cars, the Avantgarde has the three-pointed star set within the grille while the Classic and Elegance models retain the trademark star atop the bonnet leading edge.Mercedes believes younger, more sports-oriented buyers will opt for the Avantgarde.Inside, the dashboard style is simple and uncluttered as Mercedes hides its layers of convenience - ventilation, audio, satnav and communication within a central command button and steering-wheel buttons as well as a voice-activated system. The new sedan is marginally longer than the outgoing C-Class but rides on a wider track and a stretched wheelbase.The engines have been re-tuned to deliver up to 13 per cent more power and 6 per cent less emissions. Only the C280 will get the seven-speed automatic. Eight airbags, including curtain and sidebags for the rear passengers, are standard, as is ABS and adaptive braking, brake assist, electronic stability program and a new active headrest for the front passengers.The C-Class also has what Mercedes calls an automatic “agility control” suspension program. “It automatically adapts to the customer's driving style,” Von Sanden says. 

The brain's logical left lobe would probably dictate a highly specced and relentlessly reliable Japanese model.The riotous right side might love something Latin.Call it a feeling from the gut, then, but some part of you simply must have a badge featuring either a blue-and-white roundel or a three-pointed star. Or even four rings.Never mind that they're almost always over-priced for the package on offer and about as suited to Australian roads as Beethoven to a Shannon Noll audience, but we seem unable to get enough of the wares offered by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and increasingly, Audi.Which is just as well, given that there will be releases from all three marques this month.June marks the opening salvo of a second-half-of-'07 product offensive on three fronts, using every type of armament at the makers' disposal; from diesel hatchbacks through high-end sports machines to ferociously powerful SUVs.In popular terms, the most significant of these is the new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class.The W204 series arrives next month with the four-cylinder Kompressors, V6 petrols and two diesel models.A six-cylinder purchase gets you a seven-speed auto transmission, but the fours make do with five speeds.Hard to say where the pricing will sit at this point, though a slight increase on the current model is possible.A more dynamic driving experience is promised, something to which Merc's Agility Control system is central.Indications from the world launch in Spain are that Mercedes' best-selling product has achieved that stated aim within a veneer of sexier, or slightly less conservative, styling.Of course, this launch took place on European roads, not our Australian tarmacs.The vastly improved new Smart fortwo coupe and cabrio arrive in November, to the delight of at least several hundred people.Between then and now, though, comes something altogether more potent.The ML 500 SUV and R 500 MPV cop a 285kW V8, up 60kW on the hardly deficient current version.These should be among us by early October, along with a 320 CDI model of the S-Class, marrying the marque's superb V6 diesel to its luxury limo.BMW fires two shots; one small-calibre, the other medium, from its locker this month.The One Series evokes mixed reactions but a coupe version is due next year and the five-door hatch receives a new four-cylinder diesel engine, minor inside and out facelifts and mechanical upgrades for greater efficiency.The updated Five Series gets new front and rear bumpers, restyled headlights and tail lights with LED.Better yet, it gets a quicker-shifting six-speed automatic tranny, controlled by the electronic gear selector from the X5 off-roader.The 530i Sedan and Touring gain 10kW of power and 15Nm of torque for totals of 200kW and 315Nm, and smarter 0-100km/h times throughout the range.New Seven Series Executive and Sport models arrive next month, but the lip-smacking becomes deafening in the fourth quarter with the new M3 coupe.Forsaking the straight six, this fourth-gen M3 packs an all-new, 309kW/400Nm V8 of four litres.Driven by the rear wheels (of course) through a six-speed-manual, it promises acceleration to 100km/h in only 4.8sec.The M3 is billed as the first production vehicle in its segment to feature a carbon fibre-reinforced roof; an innovation to save weight and lower the centre of gravity.Audi's counter-offensive begins next week with the local release of its S3 hot hatch and a ragtop version of the TT. Expected to outsell its hard-hat cousin, the open TT dispenses with the coupe's comedy back pews, increasing its boot space.Nor does it command an unreasonable premium over the coupe, with the front-drive 2.0 TFSI starting at $77,500, the V6 quattro at $92,900. But the roadster's sole transmission is the manual-matic S-tronic.No such pandering for the S3, which unites a creamy six-speed manual with quattro. And how all-wheel drive is needed.Hosting a rebuilt and “up-gunned” version of the VW Golf GTI's two-litre, direct-injection turbo four, the S3 can call upon a V6-daunting 188kW and 330Nm. At an estimated $65,000, it will come in cheaper than the top-whack, but decidedly lesser, A3.If the S3 is a genuine Q-car (there being little to visually distinguish it from Audi's milder hatches), there's no denying the latest Q7.Due in November and priced from $124,000, the already imposing SUV packs a turbine-like 4.2 TDI, a turbo diesel dreadnought that generates 240kW at 3750rpm and a warping 760Nm between 1800 and 2500rpm.As Wagnerian as it is, its thunder may be stolen as early as October. Not so much by the A5 and S5 (touring coupes with Walter da Silva style and nice engine notes) but the R8 sports car.Though it will be priced in the region of $270,000, you won't be able to buy one for ages, even if you have the readies.Audi has been taking orders for the instantly desirable, mid-engined V8 quattro two-seater since it was unveiled at last year's Sydney Motor Show.That car evokes a profound response from a region lower even than the gut.

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November.