2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class BlueEFFICIENCY- BlueEFFICIENCY measures bring improved fuel consumption and lower emissions – from 127 g/km
- 29 g/km CO2 reduction positions the C 220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Saloon three bands lower, now in the 18 per cent Company Car Tax band
- New C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder engine joins the diesel line-up: supermini emissions and sports car performance
- New petrol engines are introduced into the C-Class range
Two new diesel engines – based on the OM651 unit also fitted to the new E-Class - bring low emissions, improved performance and even better environmental credentials to the C-Class range. The C 220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY replaces the C 220 CDI, which accounts for over 65 percent of C-Class sales, whilst the C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY is a completely new addition to the range.
Both are based on the state-of-the-art 2.1 litre four-cylinder engine, and when coupled with standard six-speed manual transmission emit just 127 and 134 g/km of CO2 respectively. The 29g/km reduction on the C 220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY results in a fall of three VED bands and four company car tax bands, to the 18 per cent bracket, making the C-Class an attractive contender in the fleet market.
Over 65 per cent of C-Class sales are to the fleet market, and now fleet managers and company car users can now see just how much BlueEFFICIENCY models can save them through a new comparison tool at: www.mercedes-benzcorporate.co.uk/blueefficiency. It shows direct comparisons between Mercedes-Benz models and key competitors, giving a clear indication of ownership costs, environmental credentials and fuel consumption.
The P11D value for a company car driver using a C 220CDIBlueEFFICIENCY SE is £24,750. With the car now in the 18 per cent tax band, the benefit in kind would be £4,450, so those paying 20 per cent tax would be charged just £891 per tax year, or £74.25 a month. Those paying 40 per cent tax would be charged £1782 a year, £148.50 a month, equating to a 44.7% reduction over the previous C 220 CDISE.
C 220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY: 170hp; 58.9mpg; 127 g/km
As well as best in class emissions the C220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY retains the same power (170 hp) and the manual SE Saloon boasts a 23 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, returning 58.9 mpg on the combined cycle. The new 204 hp C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY offers even more power and returns an impressive 55.4 mpg on the combined cycle with manual transmission.
The C200 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY based on the OM651 engine with a single turbo joins the line up as the entry diesel engine for the C-Class range. Replacing the C 200 CDI, the new engine maintains the same power output of 136 hp but boasts a 6.9 mpg improvement, returning 56.5 mpg on the combined cycle for the C 200 CDISE Manual.
At the other end of the diesel offering for the C-Class is the C 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY which replaces the C 320 CDI. The C 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY boasts a 7 hp boost, yet still sees a 19 g/km fall in CO2 emissions for the Elegance model line while a 4.1 mpg improvement results in a combined fuel consumption of 42.8 mpg.
Diesel power accounts for 59 per cent of C-Class sales, yet of the remaining cars, three-quarters of petrol C-Class sales have been of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY. In 2010 this engine will be replaced by the turbo charged C 180 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY petrol engine. The C 180 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY automatic offers drivers the same output of 156 hp but boasts an extra 20 Nm of torque as well as a reduction of 3 g/km CO2, resulting in emissions of 166 g/km of CO2 whilst maintaining its combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8 mpg on the combined cycle. Manual transmission for this engine will be available in 2010.
In light of this the low-volume C 200 KOMPRESSOR, C 230 and C 280 engines have been discontinued and replaced with the new C 250 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY petrol engine which uses turbo charging and direct injection to combine maximum efficiency with an engaging driving experience. The 204 hp engine returns 39.2 mpg and emits 168 g/km in CO2, some 49 g/km less than the previous C 230, with a fuel consumption improvement of over 26 per cent.
With the realignment of the model line-up there have been price reductions across the range. The C 350 CGIhas seen a 6.9% price reduction and is now positioned to be a modest increase from the four-cylinder C 250 CGIrather than from the previous C 280 six-cylinder engine. There has also been a price reduction for all manual C-Class variants, which come with Hill Start Assist as standard. Hill Start Assist will hold the car stationary so that the driver can move from the brake to accelerator without the vehicle rolling backwards, to ensure a smooth pull away on an incline.
As well as changes to the engines on offer in the C-Class range there are two new colours, Indigolite Blue and Pearl Beige and new optional equipment is also available. A reversing camera is now available from £367.02, while COMAND and Audio 50 both now come with media interface [for exceptional control of iPods or other MP3 players] and a CD/DVDchanger as standard.
Improved emissions and greater fuel efficiency are just two features that make the C-Class a great car, safety, environmental compatibility and style also play a key role. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which was awarded the maximum 5 stars by EuroNCAP, is fitted with the PreSafe anticipatory system as standard. This system works with the carsESPandBASsensors to recognise and react to danger. If an accident is imminent the system will prepare the car and occupants for the impact by triggering the seat belt pre-tensioners, close all side windows and sunroofs, if fitted, and will move the front passenger seat (if memory package is fitted) into the best position in which to sustain any impact.
The C-Class is one of five Mercedes-Benz models to have been awarded the prestigious TÜV environmental certificate which takes into consideration the impact of the vehicles entire lifecycle on the environment. The materials used, emissions emitted during production as well as during the vehicles time on the road and the ability to recycle components at the end of the vehicles life are all evaluated.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in SE, Elegance and Sport model lines. The SE is the entry model line and features classic styling. The Elegance adds a touch of luxury to the C-Class and like the SE features the three-pointed star on the bonnet. The Sport is easily recognised as the Mercedes-Benz star is integrated into the grille and coupled with an AMGbody kit and alloy wheels, for customers wanting a completely different look.
Every C-Class comes with Mercedes-Benz’ three year unlimited mileage warranty and prices start from £21,791.07 for the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY SE Manual Saloon to £50,551.06 for the C 63AMGEstate.
Images : 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class BlueEFFICIENCY
[Source : DAIMLER]
