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Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 CGI Saloon 1.8 (A) Review
16 Nov 2010|33,035 views
How you dress is part of your image but what you drive is another. You'll want a car that sets you apart, a statement of confidence and individual style. Above all, you'll want a car, like you, to be taken seriously.
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Saloon, you'll know that you've found what you're looking for. Or so I was told by someone at the car park.
The perception of being an old, ugly man driving one is a thing of a past. The beautifully executed exterior proves to be modern and handsome. Down the accelerator, and you'll realise it's a car that's suitable only for the young, or at least the young at heart.
Exterior
The car's stance is actually quite aggressive, far more so than in previous C-Class models. This sporty flavour can be further emphasised by its fascia - a new, modern grille with the large Mercedes star and the antagonistic front-end styling with large headlights.
The 'cut-outs' in the side mirrors, which contain the indicator light repeaters, are a small but eye-catching execution. It's a modern and visually appealing streaked-back design that is undeniably stylish.
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Saloon, you'll know that you've found what you're looking for. Or so I was told by someone at the car park.
The perception of being an old, ugly man driving one is a thing of a past. The beautifully executed exterior proves to be modern and handsome. Down the accelerator, and you'll realise it's a car that's suitable only for the young, or at least the young at heart.
Exterior
The car's stance is actually quite aggressive, far more so than in previous C-Class models. This sporty flavour can be further emphasised by its fascia - a new, modern grille with the large Mercedes star and the antagonistic front-end styling with large headlights.
The 'cut-outs' in the side mirrors, which contain the indicator light repeaters, are a small but eye-catching execution. It's a modern and visually appealing streaked-back design that is undeniably stylish.
 |
Apart from the sporty grille that's usually found on the marque's coupes and sports cars, the C-Class has flared wheel arches that accommodate the wider front and rear track.
Furthermore, a pair of power dome bulges in the bonnet hint at the kind of muscle that's waiting to be flexed in the engine bay, allowing the car to be portrayed as a another incredible weapon in the Mercedes line-up that delivers more power to the punch - something that isn't untrue.
Round the back, a feature that's cleverly packaged is the beautiful tail lamps that are clearly derived from the idea of luxurious outlook. They are the usual red with a strip of transparent casing in the middle while a metal strip stretches across the boot lid, making it look elegantly sporty.
 |
Interior
Once unlocked, an array of courtesy lights, inside and out, gives the car a premium touch.
Mercedes has always been known for generous space and the C200 is no exception. Leg and head room is more than adequate and the cargo area is flat and deep - something that outshines the BMW 3-series.
The car is also given two thumbs up for bench comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward and it certainly doesn't take long for one to learn the functions of the buttons.
Once unlocked, an array of courtesy lights, inside and out, gives the car a premium touch.
Mercedes has always been known for generous space and the C200 is no exception. Leg and head room is more than adequate and the cargo area is flat and deep - something that outshines the BMW 3-series.
The car is also given two thumbs up for bench comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward and it certainly doesn't take long for one to learn the functions of the buttons.
The other thing that strikes you about the car is how snug you feel behind the wheel. It puts you in a sporty frame of mind. And should you decide to act on that 'go fast' impulse, the car does not disappoint.
The quality of the materials, the fit and the finish also leap out at you as there's a real solidity to the controls. Nice detailing abounds too, with the highlight being the hidden screen that emerges from the dash with a press of a button.
The ventilation controls are beautifully tactile dials and are in simple black and white with the needles picked out in orange.
The quality of the materials, the fit and the finish also leap out at you as there's a real solidity to the controls. Nice detailing abounds too, with the highlight being the hidden screen that emerges from the dash with a press of a button.
The ventilation controls are beautifully tactile dials and are in simple black and white with the needles picked out in orange.
 |
Drivetrain
The engineers from Mercedez-Benz have worked hard to make this car handle well and have, to some extent, succeeded.
Whatever they did, they did right. On the go, the car handles sharply and is more forgiving when road surfaces and driving inputs are less than perfect.
The traction and ride quality are class leading, though the overall package is still not calculated to please the real enthusiast. However, flex your right foot enough and the 1.8-litre powerplant hits 100km/h from rest in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
Not too shabby indeed. With that small engine in the nose, turn-in and handling are both extremely vivid.
There's no doubt that the ride of this C-Class is superb, refinement is excellent and steering response is also very good, albeit a tad light. Drive the car harder round the bends and body roll is evident.
The engineers from Mercedez-Benz have worked hard to make this car handle well and have, to some extent, succeeded.
Whatever they did, they did right. On the go, the car handles sharply and is more forgiving when road surfaces and driving inputs are less than perfect.
The traction and ride quality are class leading, though the overall package is still not calculated to please the real enthusiast. However, flex your right foot enough and the 1.8-litre powerplant hits 100km/h from rest in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
Not too shabby indeed. With that small engine in the nose, turn-in and handling are both extremely vivid.
There's no doubt that the ride of this C-Class is superb, refinement is excellent and steering response is also very good, albeit a tad light. Drive the car harder round the bends and body roll is evident.
Overall, this C-Class is a car drivers can hustle with great confidence and it will reward with a level of driver involvement not many cars have ever been able to muster.
Conclusion
The C-Class has always been a good performer and with that extra bit of punch complementing its brilliant dynamics, it makes it a much more appealing car to drive, putting it into the BMW 3-series' territory.
Although the price can prove to be a tad steep, it'll be money well spent. After all, the beefy engine, visual tweaks to the front and the handsome cabin will be more than enough for one to make a statement of confidence and individual style.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The C-Class has always been a good performer and with that extra bit of punch complementing its brilliant dynamics, it makes it a much more appealing car to drive, putting it into the BMW 3-series' territory.
Although the price can prove to be a tad steep, it'll be money well spent. After all, the beefy engine, visual tweaks to the front and the handsome cabin will be more than enough for one to make a statement of confidence and individual style.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
How you dress is part of your image but what you drive is another. You'll want a car that sets you apart, a statement of confidence and individual style. Above all, you'll want a car, like you, to be taken seriously.
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Saloon, you'll know that you've found what you're looking for. Or so I was told by someone at the car park.
The perception of being an old, ugly man driving one is a thing of a past. The beautifully executed exterior proves to be modern and handsome. Down the accelerator, and you'll realise it's a car that's suitable only for the young, or at least the young at heart.
Exterior
The car's stance is actually quite aggressive, far more so than in previous C-Class models. This sporty flavour can be further emphasised by its fascia - a new, modern grille with the large Mercedes star and the antagonistic front-end styling with large headlights.
The 'cut-outs' in the side mirrors, which contain the indicator light repeaters, are a small but eye-catching execution. It's a modern and visually appealing streaked-back design that is undeniably stylish.
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Saloon, you'll know that you've found what you're looking for. Or so I was told by someone at the car park.
The perception of being an old, ugly man driving one is a thing of a past. The beautifully executed exterior proves to be modern and handsome. Down the accelerator, and you'll realise it's a car that's suitable only for the young, or at least the young at heart.
Exterior
The car's stance is actually quite aggressive, far more so than in previous C-Class models. This sporty flavour can be further emphasised by its fascia - a new, modern grille with the large Mercedes star and the antagonistic front-end styling with large headlights.
The 'cut-outs' in the side mirrors, which contain the indicator light repeaters, are a small but eye-catching execution. It's a modern and visually appealing streaked-back design that is undeniably stylish.
|
Apart from the sporty grille that's usually found on the marque's coupes and sports cars, the C-Class has flared wheel arches that accommodate the wider front and rear track.
Furthermore, a pair of power dome bulges in the bonnet hint at the kind of muscle that's waiting to be flexed in the engine bay, allowing the car to be portrayed as a another incredible weapon in the Mercedes line-up that delivers more power to the punch - something that isn't untrue.
Round the back, a feature that's cleverly packaged is the beautiful tail lamps that are clearly derived from the idea of luxurious outlook. They are the usual red with a strip of transparent casing in the middle while a metal strip stretches across the boot lid, making it look elegantly sporty.
|
Interior
Once unlocked, an array of courtesy lights, inside and out, gives the car a premium touch.
Mercedes has always been known for generous space and the C200 is no exception. Leg and head room is more than adequate and the cargo area is flat and deep - something that outshines the BMW 3-series.
The car is also given two thumbs up for bench comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward and it certainly doesn't take long for one to learn the functions of the buttons.
Once unlocked, an array of courtesy lights, inside and out, gives the car a premium touch.
Mercedes has always been known for generous space and the C200 is no exception. Leg and head room is more than adequate and the cargo area is flat and deep - something that outshines the BMW 3-series.
The car is also given two thumbs up for bench comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward and it certainly doesn't take long for one to learn the functions of the buttons.
The other thing that strikes you about the car is how snug you feel behind the wheel. It puts you in a sporty frame of mind. And should you decide to act on that 'go fast' impulse, the car does not disappoint.
The quality of the materials, the fit and the finish also leap out at you as there's a real solidity to the controls. Nice detailing abounds too, with the highlight being the hidden screen that emerges from the dash with a press of a button.
The ventilation controls are beautifully tactile dials and are in simple black and white with the needles picked out in orange.
The quality of the materials, the fit and the finish also leap out at you as there's a real solidity to the controls. Nice detailing abounds too, with the highlight being the hidden screen that emerges from the dash with a press of a button.
The ventilation controls are beautifully tactile dials and are in simple black and white with the needles picked out in orange.
|
Drivetrain
The engineers from Mercedez-Benz have worked hard to make this car handle well and have, to some extent, succeeded.
Whatever they did, they did right. On the go, the car handles sharply and is more forgiving when road surfaces and driving inputs are less than perfect.
The traction and ride quality are class leading, though the overall package is still not calculated to please the real enthusiast. However, flex your right foot enough and the 1.8-litre powerplant hits 100km/h from rest in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
Not too shabby indeed. With that small engine in the nose, turn-in and handling are both extremely vivid.
There's no doubt that the ride of this C-Class is superb, refinement is excellent and steering response is also very good, albeit a tad light. Drive the car harder round the bends and body roll is evident.
The engineers from Mercedez-Benz have worked hard to make this car handle well and have, to some extent, succeeded.
Whatever they did, they did right. On the go, the car handles sharply and is more forgiving when road surfaces and driving inputs are less than perfect.
The traction and ride quality are class leading, though the overall package is still not calculated to please the real enthusiast. However, flex your right foot enough and the 1.8-litre powerplant hits 100km/h from rest in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
Not too shabby indeed. With that small engine in the nose, turn-in and handling are both extremely vivid.
There's no doubt that the ride of this C-Class is superb, refinement is excellent and steering response is also very good, albeit a tad light. Drive the car harder round the bends and body roll is evident.
Overall, this C-Class is a car drivers can hustle with great confidence and it will reward with a level of driver involvement not many cars have ever been able to muster.
Conclusion
The C-Class has always been a good performer and with that extra bit of punch complementing its brilliant dynamics, it makes it a much more appealing car to drive, putting it into the BMW 3-series' territory.
Although the price can prove to be a tad steep, it'll be money well spent. After all, the beefy engine, visual tweaks to the front and the handsome cabin will be more than enough for one to make a statement of confidence and individual style.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The C-Class has always been a good performer and with that extra bit of punch complementing its brilliant dynamics, it makes it a much more appealing car to drive, putting it into the BMW 3-series' territory.
Although the price can prove to be a tad steep, it'll be money well spent. After all, the beefy engine, visual tweaks to the front and the handsome cabin will be more than enough for one to make a statement of confidence and individual style.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C200 CGI (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.8km/L
Horsepower
137kW (184 bhp)
Torque
270 Nm
Acceleration
8.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon
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