Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008 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

New generation Mercedes-Benz C63-S to pack 375kW of power.

Just in case the letters AMG don’t quite satisfy your need for performance, Mercedes have released details of an even hotter version of the C63. Dubbed Edition 507 (for the horsepower rating), the range -- comprising a sedan, coupe and estate -- is powered by a beast of an engine with outputs of 373kW and 610Nm.That’s an increase of 37kW and 10Nm over the garden variety AMG version, and 0-100km/h acceleration figures are similarly impressive at 4.2 seconds for the sedan and coupe and 4.3 seconds for the estate.The extra oomph comes as a result of a technology transfer from the 6.3-litre eight-cylinder naturally aspirated powerplant adopted from the SLS AMG.The new C63 AMG range is electronically limited to 280 km/h but it’s not just all about the beastly power. There are also aesthetic improvements both inside and out.Brakes have been beefed up too with composite discs standard as well as red painted callipers. The instrument cluster gets some red applications too and if further differentiation is needed from the C63 AMG there’s a list of optional extras available.To prevent any confusion with the regular AMG version there’s a range of exclusive design features. Some of these include two openings for expelling engine heat on the aluminium bonnet, spoiler lip on the boot lid, a set of light-alloy 19-inch wheels or even lighter optional 5 spoke 18-inch alloys.Further details of the 507 will come at the world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show which starts on March 5. It’s scheduled to go on sale in Germany in June and Australia should get it in the second half of 2013. Further details on pricing, availability and specifications will be confirmed closer to the local launch. 

It's the limited-edition Black Series update of the thumping Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, complete with a carbon-fibre weight-loss program and the most powerful engine yet fitted to a C-Class car.The newcomer - officially the C63 AMG Black Series - has 380 kiloWatts and 620 Newton-metres of torque, which translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed beyond 310km/h - provided the compulsory German speed limiter is disabled.A handful of Black Cs will come to Australia next year but there is no firm detail yet on delivery dates or prices.Based on previous Black Series cars, and the current C63 at $152,800, the bottom line is likely to be around $220,000.The Black C has a giant new front bumper with huge air inlets, vents in the alloy bonnet and a rear diffuser, guards widened by 42 millimetres on each side at the rear, and 19-inch alloy wheels. There is also an optional Track Package, although this is not confirmed for Australia.AMG says development of the Black C has its roots in the program for the SLS Gullwing, including its V8 engine and the customer racing program with the car that includes the Peter Hackett version currently competing in Australia."The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the best proof there is for the permanent transfer of technology from the race track to the road," says the head of Mercedes-AMG, Ola Kallenius.

OLYMPIC duty has finished for Matthew White and the Channel 7 anchor will be back in the V8 Supercar pitlane this weekend.  It's a familiar place for White, who made his name on the sports team at Network 10 before switching networks to continue his commitment to the V8 racing series.White drives a Mercedes-Benz, but confesses he has no driving passion. He uses cars to get from A to B.   At 38 he has just discovered the delights of two-wheel transport with a Honda scooter.What was your first car?A Datsun 120Y. I don't know the year, but it was a pukey orange colour with a black vinyl top. Plus some roof racks that looked like they came from K Mart. I spruiced it up by buying an equaliser, which made the tinny radio sound a little bit more ballsy. I was 17 and I had it for a couple of years. It did the job before I upgraded to a yellow Holden Camira.What do you drive now?I drive a black Mercedes-Benz C200K and I got my bike licence on my birthday in April because it was something I always wanted to do. The good folk at Honda have lent me a scooter -- the SH150i. I love it, it's awesome. I try to ride it into work (a 30km ride) a few times a week. It's been good for getting me out of the house of a morning, go find a cafe and do a few hours work by the beach. The only downside is, if you work in television and you ride a scooter, you get helmet head. So when I get into the office, the girls in make-up have to do a bit of extra work on me.Do you have a favourite drive and who would you take?Anywhere by the beach for me is good. My favourite would be Highway 1 in California from San Francisco to LA, which I've done in a Lincoln Town Car, which is just a little bit smaller than a semi-trailer. I hope to do it again in December with my wife Amanda and my girls Taila, 6, and Mason, 3. With the Beach Boys as our soundtrack.How far would you drive in an average year?I would average 15,000-20,000km.Do you have a favourite motoring memory?With two young girls I've probably got more horror stories than memories. I see driving as getting you from point A to B. Before the kids were born, we did a trip up the NSW coast. We did the classic ``pile in the car and head up with a couple of mates''. We went surfing, pitched tents and sat around the campfire.What would you buy if money was no object?A bloody big boat, probably. I'm a huge fan of Mercedes-Benz, so anything in the AMG range is my dream. Their new one -- the SL65 -- I don't know how much it is. I don't know why, but Mercs just do it for me.What music is playing in your car?Anything between The Wiggles and Jack Johnson, but more often than not I listen to sports radio.How much is too much for a car?Everything is relative, but any time you pause when you hear the price is probably too much. It could be five grand, or 50 or 500 grand. I've always found it weird people can buy a car for the same price as a unit. Property is a much better investment.What should be done to make driving safer?Cars are as safe as they ever have been, the roads are as good as they ever have been so only one thing is not coming along - people. It comes down to education and thought. When you jump on a scooter you realise how badly people drive.Are you sponsored by a car company?Honda has lent me the scooter and I'm hoping when they read this article they don't want it back. I am not sponsored by a car company, but as host/commentator of V8 Supercars it wouldn't be right to be aligned with somebody. It's good to be impartial. 

It's one thing to get wiggy with the options list; it's quite another to chuck bucks at a top-line model when the lesser version has the same drive train and essential safety equipment.In the case of several of the most popular models we've chosen, the cheaper version also has the impertinence to be the better drive.So it can come down to deeply personal questions such as: can you live without the caress of leather? Light and easyFirst thing to know about this class of car is that you should learn to drive a manual. Small cars go better this way. They're also cheaper.But some 90 per cent of you would sooner slaughter your own meat than change gear for yourself, which means you'll need to pay $2K more for Hyundai's three-door Getz 1.4 S.Add the absolutely non-negotiable safety pack — with electronic stability program, ABS brakes and traction control — and suddenly you're at $17,280, still better value than the SXi at $18,490.Which brings us into price range of the critical and popular small car du jour. The Mazda2 comes in three-or five-door shape and three model lines, the top auto Genki a touch over $23K.Get the five-door, four-speed automatic Neo with $1100 safety pack — including stability control and extra air bags — for $19,740. Medium fareThat the generality has deserted big 'Strayan family cars for smaller but high-quality imports is no cause for wonder. But, in the lemming-like rush to downsize, they've also skipped over a car that's also more fuel-efficient, faster and safer than the one chalking up the sales.Moreover, with the recent price cut, the class-leading Mazda6 medium car now starts under the upper-echelon versions of the Mazda3. A bigger and better car for less? Oh, yes.Best of all, the base model $28,490 Mazda6 Limited manual sedan has the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and active/passive safety measures as the $42K-plus Sport Luxury.For our money it also has the better ride/handling compromise.If you want a trip computer and the more popular hatch/liftback shape with its truly commodious passenger and luggage space, get the Classic with five-speed auto at $35,990. That's still $8K off the toptop dog.When Volkswagen negotiated a sub-$40K starting price for the brilliant Mark V Golf GTI it didn't anticipate it becoming the second-biggest seller in its perennial hatch's line-up. Now every thrusty tosser in a white baseball cap gets into them.Subtler, cheaper, greener and — in its way — cooler, is the Golf GT Sport TSI with its exceptional twin-charged engine.Never mind the seemingly weedy 1.4-litre capacity, the TSI teams a supercharger with a turbo charger to achieve a 125kW/250Nm output and performance not very distant from its better recognised sibling.At $37,490 you do without a hole in the roof or cowhide, but you do get the six-speed twin-clutch transmission, which is both faster and more efficient than the conventional manual. When size mattersHow Holden and Ford must curse the rise of the soft-roader.To appreciate its dominance of the family car market you need only observe any school drop-off zone.With off-road ability propping up the list of daily requirements, Toyota's Kluger KX-R seven-seat 2WD at $41,490 has the whole package for less than a top-line RAV4. It has the same 3.5 V6 and five-speed auto as the $66K top Kluger, plus all its size, utility and the whole outfit of active and passive measure. Save for all-wheel-drive, that is. But when you're at Woolies, who exactly cares?If you're of the ever-diminishing mob who must have a big sedan, Toyota's Aurion Touring SE Special is another that lacks some of the fruit of the top-line model but has all its wherewithal — not least the 3.5 V6 and excellent six-speed auto.At $34,990, not only is it $15K cheaper than the Presara, it gets by without a stupid name. Aspirational autosMuch, far too much, has been made of the varied faces of the excellent Mercedes-Benz C-Class. You can have the more traditional face of the Classic or Elegance lines or the SLK-emulating Avantgarde.You also get to pay $5K or more for the latter.The up-puffed supercharged 1.8 petrol engine of the C200K is better than before but, once you've sampled the thrust of the 125kW/400Nm diesel C220 CDI Classic ($60,500), there's no going back.It's good enough to make you wonder where the extra $35K is in the top-line C320 CDI. The 220's options list is encyclopedic, but standard kit is a good deal more than adequate.For some, though, the lure of six petrol pots is too much. In that case, the Lexus IS250 Prestige with six-speed flappy paddle auto at $58,990 is our choice.It lacks the sat-nav and phat rims of the exxier versions, but drives better almost all the time.Better yet, the Prestige comes in under the luxury car tax, so you keep Treasurer Wayne Swan's sticky fingers out of your wallet. 

...and Mercedes-Benz has more to come with an Estate diesel arriving in September with the C63 AMG Estate. For the moment buyers will have a single engine choice, the proven supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder wearing the C200 Kompressor badge.Price premium for the Estate is $1800 above the equivalent sedan model, making it $58,890.From September the 2.1-litre C220 CDI turbodiesel four-cylinder Estate will carry a $63,100 sticker, while the AMG version will land at $141,300 with the same 336kW and 600Nm 6.2-litre V8 from the sedan.The V6 C280 Estate — already on sale in European markets — could be added next year.Mercedes sold 706 C-Class sedans in April, 300 more than Audi's A4 and almost double the number 3 Series sedans moved by BMW.The C200 Kompressor develops 135kW at 5500rpm and 250Nm at 2800-5000rpm — nothing that is going to make it an excitment machine but the drive experience is nothing if not refined and will continue to win fans.A five-speed automatic is standard fare for the Estate all the way to the C63, which gets the star seven-speed auto.Estates, or station wagons, are not big sellers in the Australian market but Mercedes believes there is incremental growth available with 300 sales predicted this year and 500 a year after all the engine choices come on line.There are a range of options unique to the Estate, including self-levelling rear suspension ($2000), dark tinted privacy glass ($1010), automatic opening and closing tailgate ($1010), and a load-securing kit ($700).Load capacity in the Estate has been increased, at least in volumetric measures, with between 485 and 1500 litres depending on the rear seat position.That is an improvement of 146 litres over the previous model yet the load is still only rated to carry 100kg. 

Imported cars are hardest hit by the new LCT threshold but some of our homegrown brands also suffer.

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  

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March.