It is hard for any Mercedes-Benz review to leave out a brief mention of its history. The tri-star marque is best known for its efforts in luxury carmaking, which extends from sedans to coupes and cabriolets.
It wasn't till the 1980s when the Swabians found the need to expand its reach to a broader audience. The 190E was born, marking the firm's foray into the compact sedan segment, at the same time taking up the 'entry-level' hotspot. The position was subsequently filled up by the A Class, with the modern C-Class as spiritual successor to the original 190E.
Just over a year ago, we sampled the C180 Kompressor. Blessed by the 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant, the C-Class falls adeptly into the Cat. A COE segment. Hence, the smaller tax tag coupled with the renowned badge made it an instant sales success.
Inheriting the sheet metal directly from the previous generation, the latest iteration can barely be considered a facelift. Engine improvement, perhaps, is a better way to put it.
Exterior
It is with little doubts that the C-Class isn't a car that would outrightly turn heads. That said, the compact sedan still has got the timeless, elegant look - just what we reckon it will need to woo premium buyers. And we will go as far as saying this is one of the best looking C-Class yet.
It wasn't till the 1980s when the Swabians found the need to expand its reach to a broader audience. The 190E was born, marking the firm's foray into the compact sedan segment, at the same time taking up the 'entry-level' hotspot. The position was subsequently filled up by the A Class, with the modern C-Class as spiritual successor to the original 190E.
Just over a year ago, we sampled the C180 Kompressor. Blessed by the 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant, the C-Class falls adeptly into the Cat. A COE segment. Hence, the smaller tax tag coupled with the renowned badge made it an instant sales success.
Inheriting the sheet metal directly from the previous generation, the latest iteration can barely be considered a facelift. Engine improvement, perhaps, is a better way to put it.
Exterior
It is with little doubts that the C-Class isn't a car that would outrightly turn heads. That said, the compact sedan still has got the timeless, elegant look - just what we reckon it will need to woo premium buyers. And we will go as far as saying this is one of the best looking C-Class yet.
In Avantgarde trim, the front grille is starred by the large Mercedes star, which gives it a modern, sporty look. The LED treatments too, help to portray an up-to-date image that pits it well against the newer contenders in the segment.
Interior
The interior has always been an aspect in which Mercedes shines in. For starters, the door opens and closes with aplomb, a hint of the car's solid build quality.
Despite its humble origins, the C180's interior is littered with quality materials, in line with what one would expect from the German marque. The grey plastics for instance, feel soft to the touch. The dashboard and central panels, too, are trimmed with touch-friendly leather and aluminium bits, pulling off a neat, avantgarde feel right from the initial acquaintance.
The interior has always been an aspect in which Mercedes shines in. For starters, the door opens and closes with aplomb, a hint of the car's solid build quality.
Despite its humble origins, the C180's interior is littered with quality materials, in line with what one would expect from the German marque. The grey plastics for instance, feel soft to the touch. The dashboard and central panels, too, are trimmed with touch-friendly leather and aluminium bits, pulling off a neat, avantgarde feel right from the initial acquaintance.
Sunshine lovers may be bothered by the lack of sunroof. However, the large greenhouse lets in adequate natural light to brighten up the atmosphere. On the other hand, with the cushions wrapped in tan leather, the cabin feels grown up without looking too dull.
Critics may have it that such dimunitive dimensions is unworthy of a luxury marque. Being the smallest sedan in the lineup, the C180 will swallow five adults, but not without sacrificing some comfort at the rear. The protruding centre transmission tunnel will also cause a hindrance to the centre passenger, and hamper any movements across the rear quarters.
The C180 however, makes up with strong utility, packing a respectable boot volume of 475 litres. Furthermore, one can extend the load lugging capability with the 40/60 folding seats.
Critics may have it that such dimunitive dimensions is unworthy of a luxury marque. Being the smallest sedan in the lineup, the C180 will swallow five adults, but not without sacrificing some comfort at the rear. The protruding centre transmission tunnel will also cause a hindrance to the centre passenger, and hamper any movements across the rear quarters.
The C180 however, makes up with strong utility, packing a respectable boot volume of 475 litres. Furthermore, one can extend the load lugging capability with the 40/60 folding seats.
The Drive
The star of the facelift lies in its drivetrain. The C180 receives the revised force-fed 1.6-litre engine, as well as the 7G-TRONIC transmission.
While the new engine retains the same power output at 156bhp, a slight raise of torque figures to 250Nm sees to an improved 0-100km timing of 8.5 seconds.
On the other hand, the two extra ratios also improve the refinement of the ride, with barely noticeable gear swops. The 'Sports' button enhances the intuitiveness of the auto gear shifts - more perceivable in its keenness to downshift when it senses urgency at the throttle.
The turbocharged four-pot engine can be the cause for dismay for Mercedes purists. At lower speeds, the drivetrain does feel slightly less refined, especially when stretched with a heavy right foot.
Drive it more sensibly, and the whole point about this car soon becomes apparent - the C180 is effortless to pilot. Even when going quickly, the car is very relaxing to drive. The suspension is tuned slightly towards the soft side, which is great for taking away the fatigue from daily drives.
The star of the facelift lies in its drivetrain. The C180 receives the revised force-fed 1.6-litre engine, as well as the 7G-TRONIC transmission.
While the new engine retains the same power output at 156bhp, a slight raise of torque figures to 250Nm sees to an improved 0-100km timing of 8.5 seconds.
On the other hand, the two extra ratios also improve the refinement of the ride, with barely noticeable gear swops. The 'Sports' button enhances the intuitiveness of the auto gear shifts - more perceivable in its keenness to downshift when it senses urgency at the throttle.
The turbocharged four-pot engine can be the cause for dismay for Mercedes purists. At lower speeds, the drivetrain does feel slightly less refined, especially when stretched with a heavy right foot.
Drive it more sensibly, and the whole point about this car soon becomes apparent - the C180 is effortless to pilot. Even when going quickly, the car is very relaxing to drive. The suspension is tuned slightly towards the soft side, which is great for taking away the fatigue from daily drives.
With a light foot, the C180 is also frugal - a mixture of city and highway driving reveals an economy figure of around 7L/100km, not far from the 5.8 claimed.
Although the sedan looks very much similar in terms of proportions when compared to its close rivals like the A4 and 3 Series, one gets a greater sense of airiness from the front quarters. The great visibility gives the driver good confidence, especially when negotiating tight corners.
Conclusion
Many would acquire a Benz simply based on its prestigious badging. Coupled with the tax savings, the C-Class makes for an appealing choice for anyone after the badge without losing the practicality of a sedan.
That said, the less sporting driving dynamics may not score points when pit against rivals such as the 3 Series. But holding true to the marque's values, the comfort and relaxing experience it provides is second to none.
Although the sedan looks very much similar in terms of proportions when compared to its close rivals like the A4 and 3 Series, one gets a greater sense of airiness from the front quarters. The great visibility gives the driver good confidence, especially when negotiating tight corners.
Conclusion
Many would acquire a Benz simply based on its prestigious badging. Coupled with the tax savings, the C-Class makes for an appealing choice for anyone after the badge without losing the practicality of a sedan.
That said, the less sporting driving dynamics may not score points when pit against rivals such as the 3 Series. But holding true to the marque's values, the comfort and relaxing experience it provides is second to none.
