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The C-Class is currently Mercedes’ best-selling car which is not surprising because it has always represented affordable prestige as the marque’s entry level compact saloon.
There have been four generations of this car and although they were all great in their own way the test of time had taken its toll and the last version, with the exception of the magnificent C63 AMG which has always been in a class of its own, was beginning to look a bit tired with the interior particularly in need of a revamp.
Mercedes have actually gone one step further than cosmetic tweaks and have built an entirely new C-Class which is longer, wider and an amazing 100kg lighter than its predecessor, due to the fact that more aluminium has been used in its manufacture.
This fifth generation C-Class has also taken a step up in the prestige stakes with an eye-catching sporty design which is sleek and more refined. But the biggest improvement is the interior which has been updated and combines the best in automotive technology with high-end luxury.
Much of what you find in the new C-Class has been taken from the latest S-Class, Mercedes’ flagship of excellence, which gives it a more upmarket feel.
The cabin is a plethora of high-grade leather, metals and luxury wood veneers. The three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel is sporty and comfortable to use and the instrument cluster whilst retaining a classic Mercedes feel is stylish and functional.
The cabin is dominated by the centre console which is home to the impressive infotainment system. A 7-inch screen, which looks a bit like an i-pad sitting above the ‘eyeball’ air vents which resemble jet-engines, provides high-resolution visuals while you use either a smart-phone like touchpad or a wheel-controller to operate the car’s communication system and sat-nav.
So, you have a car that will turn heads and an interior which offers supreme comfort and is bristling with the very latest in automotive technology, but what is it like to drive?
The C200, which I drove, courtesy of EMC, Abu Dhabi’s Mercedes Benz distributor, is powered by a two-litre, four cylinder engine with 184bhp which offers superb fuel efficiency with more than decent acceleration, with a 0-100km/h time of around seven seconds.
Because this car is much lighter than its predecessor it is also far more responsive and agile. It also has an excellent array of driver assists ensuring brilliant handling, and with such things as lane departure warning, blind spot alerts, and radar technology taken from the S-Class, it delivers the ultimate in safe driving.
There are five drive modes available: eco, comfort, sport, sport plus and individual. I chose sport plus and it was great fun to drive. I would recommend buying the AMG line version of this car because it has a more muscular body kit and a superior interior.
The new C200 is more about high-tech comfort than raw speed and overall, it is a triumph. It’s so good, I can only imagine the new C63 AMG which will be introduced next year is going to blow us away.
Why Buy It
– Standout design
– Great technology
– Prestige and comfort
– Fuel efficient
– Spacious
Why Not
The C200 was a bit too slow for me so if you are looking for Mercedes performance best to wait for the new C63 AMG.
C200- Specifications
Manufacturer : Mercedes
Production : 1993 – present
Class : Premier saloon
Body style : Four-seater
Layout : Rear wheel drive
Engine : 2-litre, four cylinder
Output : 184bhp
Torque : 300nm
Transmission : 7-speed automatic with paddle shifts
0-100km : 7.3 seconds
Kerb weight : 1,454kg
Top speed : 237kmh
Price : From Dh165,000
Rating: 8.5/10