Feature-packed C-Class makes its debut The new C-Class models have made their debut to warm and enthusiastic applause Enjoy the drive of a lifetime - every single day. That is the promise the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes, ensuring that even the most mundane journey is guaranteed to be comfortable and pleasant. Every time a C-Class launch is announced the world waits with bated breath, knowing that it is certain to be a special event. The C-Class is established as a hugely successful model, popular worldwide with owners who appreciate its styling, performance, comfort, safety and reliability. Once quick glance at the new C-Class reveals this is a model that means business. The distinctive three-pronged Mercedes-Benz marque is incorporated into an extra wide-grill giving it an appearance of restrained power. Its taut lines and distinctive rear add to the inherent dynamism of the C-Class. Yet the C-Class boasts much more than a thrilling exterior – it also drives like a dream, aided and abetted by the new Agility Control Package, a system that automatically adjusts suspension settings to the road, ensuring optimum driving enjoyment at all times. Smooth ride The Agility Control Package means the ride is as smooth on bumpy New Territories village road as it is on the Tolo Highway – the sophisticated system does all the work. There is also the optional Dynamic handling package with sport mode that lets the driver decide the ride by switching from cruising comfort mode to more rugged sports mode at the touch of a button. Naturally, with Mercedes-Benz, a wide choice of engines is offered, to suit the personal preferences of owners; economy is a priority for some, performance for others. There are two different types of engines offered for different models: four-cylinder for the C200K, with six-cylinders options for the C230, C280 and C350. New engine management, software and redesigned pistons allow extra zip. The C200K is the entry model, while those looking for even more oomph can order models that have powerful acceleration across the entire speed range. There are choices still. The V6 petrol engines in the C230, C280 and C350 have discreet muscularity but, at the same time, have modest fuel consumption through the four continuously variable camshafts that make sure the right amount of fuel is used in any given circumstance. In short, there is no wastage of fuel. Advanced technology Not everyone is fascinated by the technical details – people rightly assume that with Mercedes-Benz it will be technologically advanced – but all are interested in having a comfortable ride. The spaciousness of the C-Class models is complemented by great design that ensures the driver sits slightly higher and has more shoulder and elbow room. Rear seat passengers have more leg-room. Other in-cabin features include chrome highlights and high gloss black, wood or aluminum trim, depending which model you choose. Again, Mercedes-Benz also offers plenty of options so the car can be effectively customized. A panoramic sunroof, for example, would come into its own during Hong Kong’s many sunny days – the glass stretches all the way from the front to rear windscreen creates a truly special atmosphere inside. The cabin is also kept almost totally draught free thanks to the new wind deflector design. The optional COMAND APS multimedia navigation system guides you directly to your destination, helping you to arrive fresh and composed. It combines audio, telephone and navigation functions. With the pivoting 7-inch display and newly developed interface, COMAND APS is now more user-friendly than ever. New control designs allow the driver to focus on what he should be doing – looking at the road ahead – which in itself makes for a safer ride. The new C-Class controls are clearer and easier to use, and are directly in the driver’s sightline. All key information can be seen with a slight shift of the eyes while many functions, such as temperature or the sound system, can be controlled using steering wheel devices. Hong Kong drivers, who need to use the air-conditioning for much of the year, especially during the midsummer months, will appreciate the optional three-zone luxury automatic climate control that even allows temperature in the rear to be controlled separately. Superb seating The same advanced engineering expertise has also been applied to the seating. There are electric height and backrest angle adjustment for driver and front-seat passengers, plus lumbar support, while the C-Class has figure-hugging sports seats as standard. As well as fabulously comfy seats, the ride is helped by another piece of genius from the Mercedes-Benz engineers. The selective damping system, part of the standard Agility Control Package, automatically adjusts the damper settings at each wheel, providing a firmer or softer ride depending on the situation or surface. It all helps enhance well-being inside the cabin, as does the insulating, fine tuning and sealing that cuts down wind noise. Another C-Class option is to go for the AMG Sport Package, aimed at performance-minded drivers and based on the vast Mercedes-Benz motor-racing team experience. An AMG package includes AMG bodystyling, 17" AMG 5-spoke light alloy wheels, brushed stainless-steel sports pedals and three-spoke leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. Whatever model is chosen, comfort, performance and style are assured, along with the most important factor of all: safety. Mercedes-Benz began on seriously detailed safety research more than half a century ago and is renowned as the manufacturer that devotes the most time and effort to this aspect of engineering. Mercedes-Benz has its own integrated concept, known as ProSafe, which divides safety into four different and distinct phases. The first is helping the driver to recognise and deal with critical situations that arrive while on the road; the second is just before a potential accident, when measures can be taken to reduce the risk of injury; the third is passive safety measures that can ensure effective protection of individual occupants; the fourth is after an accident, when this comprehensive safety concept can even help the work of emergency services. To list every single safety feature in Mercedes-Benz would take up a book – there are so many that have been incorporated into the design. One of the main thrusts of recent safety design has been to minimize the chances of an accident happening: an alert driver equipped with plenty of easily-seen information and fewer distractions is unlikely to lose concentration or control. Eyes on the road The easily-reached controls in the C-Class models allow the driver to concentrate clearly on the road ahead; other signals such as the tyre pressure loss warning system, Electronic Stability Programme, Brake Assist and different sensors can detect critical situations such as oversteer, understeer or sharp steering movements. In the worst-case scenario, where the car is involved in a collision, all those long years of Mercedes-Benz expertise come into play. Even the head restraints feature intelligent safety technology – if the sensor detects a rear-end bump, the Neck-pro front head restraints move upwards and forwards within milliseconds, supporting the head sooner and lessening the chance of whiplash injury. The C-Class comes with a whole host of other equipment such as seat-belt pre-tensioners for the front seats and outside rear seats, a comprehensive airbag system including a driver kneebag, dual-stage airbags for driver and front; passenger and windowbags that cover virtually the entire window area on each side. In the event of a side collision, air pressure sensors come into play. Safety features Of course nobody wants, or expects – an accident when they leave home. But it is comforting to know that if on does happen, the C-Class models have a host of other clever features such as automatically turning off the engine, cutting off the fuel supply, switching on the hazard warning lights and emergency cabin lighting and lowering the side windows slightly if necessary. Most drivers will never need any of these features – but it is consoling to know that they are there. As with other aspects of the C-Class, the engineers in Stuttgart conduct long hours of tests before introducing any new safety or design feature. The aim is to produce a vehicle that is stylish, powerful, comfortable and safe . . . the C-Class models excel on all those fronts. click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge