Mercedes-Benz's new range of compact models has been attracting much attention in the automotive industry for the past couple of years and it comes as no surprise that the new C-Class (W205) does the same.
The C-Class has been one of Singapore's best-selling compact executive sedans, competing with models such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and the Volvo S60.
Unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, the new C-Class is an enormous leap from its predecessor, with huge improvements across the board, a more appealing design and a step up in quality.
The new C-Class is also the first model to utilise Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, which will go on to serve under the rest of Mercedes' larger rear-wheel driven models too.
Exterior
The new C-Class is much bigger than before, growing in almost every crucial dimension. At 4,686mm x 1,810mm x 1,442mm (L x W x H), the new C-Class is 95mm longer, 40mm wider but sits 5mm lower than before. In fact, it is almost as big as an E-Class from two generations ago.
There is certainly some attraction to the design of the new C-Class that makes it look like a shrunken version of Mercedes' flagship brethren, the S-Class.
The front fascia sees a purposeful look with the new signature upright Mercedes grille, shapely lower air intakes and LEDs set into the sleek-looking swept-back headlights.
There is also an S-Class-like low-slung profile that is punctuated by the same neatly styled lines from the front fenders to the rear doors as well as a sporty curved rear three-quarter.
The back of the new C-Class is very sophisticated with some serious curves and large, modern LED taillights - helping the car to enhance its width. In fact, the resemblance to the S-Class is most obvious from this view.
Interior
The exterior is stunning, but it's the luxurious cabin that really steals the show.
The latest C-Class gets a totally new layout with a minimalist design dominated by a large one-piece centre console that's far less cluttered than the previous model.
Gone are the busy buttons that resembled a Blackberry with a keypad. In its place comes the iPad-like screen, which brings the latest version of Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system - controlled via a gorgeous rotary dial and touch interface.
The exterior is stunning, but it's the luxurious cabin that really steals the show.
The latest C-Class gets a totally new layout with a minimalist design dominated by a large one-piece centre console that's far less cluttered than the previous model.
Gone are the busy buttons that resembled a Blackberry with a keypad. In its place comes the iPad-like screen, which brings the latest version of Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system - controlled via a gorgeous rotary dial and touch interface.
The increased overall dimensions of the new C-Class also mean more space for passengers, especially in terms of legroom, thanks to an 80mm longer wheelbase. Coupled with the plush leather seats that give good support, the journey in the new C-Class is a comfortable one.
At 480 litres, the new C-Class gains five litres more cargo capacity over its predecessor. But more relevantly, the wide boot opening and remote trunk closing function also help to reduce the inconvenience of loading and unloading your barang barang.
The Drive
While the previous C200 had a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that produces 181bhp and 270Nm of torque, the new C200 that you see here has a 2.0-litre force-fed lump that is capable of 181bhp and 300Nm of torque.
With that extra torque at hand and the engine's coupling with the smooth-shifting seven-speed transmission, the drivetrain offers a silky experience both around the city and when the going gets fun on the highway.
The increased use of aluminium in its construction has also allowed the C200 to shed more weight, making it 40kg lighter than before. Therefore, this new car is now faster, hitting the century mark in 7.3 seconds, 0.9 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Thanks to the reduction in weight, the car also feels more agile and more enjoyable to drive. However, we detected a little bit of miscommunication between the dampers and springs.
On one hand, the firm springs do a good job but on the other, the dampers are somewhat tuned towards the softer side of things - allowing the car to bounce around a bit at times (especially at the rear) when presented with some uneven surfaces.
While the previous C200 had a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that produces 181bhp and 270Nm of torque, the new C200 that you see here has a 2.0-litre force-fed lump that is capable of 181bhp and 300Nm of torque.
With that extra torque at hand and the engine's coupling with the smooth-shifting seven-speed transmission, the drivetrain offers a silky experience both around the city and when the going gets fun on the highway.
The increased use of aluminium in its construction has also allowed the C200 to shed more weight, making it 40kg lighter than before. Therefore, this new car is now faster, hitting the century mark in 7.3 seconds, 0.9 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Thanks to the reduction in weight, the car also feels more agile and more enjoyable to drive. However, we detected a little bit of miscommunication between the dampers and springs.
On one hand, the firm springs do a good job but on the other, the dampers are somewhat tuned towards the softer side of things - allowing the car to bounce around a bit at times (especially at the rear) when presented with some uneven surfaces.
That said, drivers can now choose between five modes via the new AGILITY SELECT function - Comfort, Eco, Individual, Sport and Sport+. These modes make the car more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on the driver's mood.
But whatever mode it is in, the C-Class rewards its driver with a refined drive. The car is impressively quiet at higher speeds with minimal wind noise and hardly any road noise. Apparently, not only does the C-Class look like a smaller S-Class, it also feels like one on the go.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz has obviously racked its brain about what matters most in the compact executive sedan market. The result is a car that looks and feels every bit as good as a mini S-Class should.
As a package, the new C-Class is going to be a tremendous contender in this ever-popular segment and one that its rivals are likely to and should be wary of.
