Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2004-2007 sedan
Practical magic
Now that when the image of the car has developed, I am ready to say that the 2004 S-class is the first Mercedes-Benz, which really costs its money. A little more than a million rubles are asked for the basic car, but not one of these rubles will be sorry. In the old days, in order to enjoy the true brilliance of a three-beam star, it was necessary to buy a S-class and only a S-class. Without options. But a couple of years ago the current e-class appeared, and the pass to the abode of luxury fell in price, equal to the price of a steep configuration of Avantgarde. The best materials, the ultramodern design of the salon, all kinds of pleasantness, like a sliding panel on the central console, I liked to be democratic Stuttgarts. They also liked to sell a lot. And the fact that you can really sell a lot proved a C-class that simply diverged wonderful in recent years around the world.
It remained to open the doors wider. Which was done by the present presentation of the modernized family 203 in the spring. Moreover, the Daimlerchrysler made a taboo on the term feslifting, loudly declaring the premiere of only a new generation of compact machines. I don’t know how about a completely new, but a fundamental ideological shift is evident. You won’t notice it outside, but it’s enough to be inside, as everything becomes clear once and for all. If the previous C -class was bought for the brand, realizing that the modest price guarantees restraint - compared to large Mercedes - in everything else, now restraint is strongly marked. Previously, the chain cabin easily read the desire to save, and even deliberately belittle the status of the model, which to a certain extent made it an inferior representative of the brand. Now it seems that the models of the car were given the full map of the Blanche. Like, do as you can, create a whole coil. Without sparing strength, time and money. And they did. And it turned out super. The interior of the car is fascinating. There is no tearful desire to blind with wealth, to prove something to someone, or even everyone at once. But everything is proved, to everyone at once. An unprecedented quality of design allows you to talk about entering a new level - if not in a global sense, then within the framework of this market segment. Such a spectacular and harmonious combination of neoclassics and technology still needs to be looked for. The color scheme is restrained and therefore exquisite: total black with chrome veins and appropriate inserts made of wood and under wood. The steering wheel made of soft plastic does not differ from the leather rudders of less expensive cars to the touch. Graceful dials in metal edges and mysteriously dark displays with their bluish Hi-End schedule not only get along well, but also set off the attractiveness of each other. Yes, a little gloomy - especially in combination with the black body color, but exclusively respectable. Over time, you catch yourself thinking that each element of the interior - whether it is a climate control unit or a gearbox lever - is so beautiful, concise and completed, which cannot be improved. This is what the updated C-class is bewitched by his guests.
Please note: the tested machine was in the Classic configuration, which is considered the base! For comparison, I got behind the wheel of E 240 Classic in the show room. Easier, more plastic! It is amazing that the separation of the flagship is by no means great: in the undeniable S-class asset only an optronic dashboard, which, however, has already ceased to be a miracle of technology. The closest to the style to the C-class was ML with a similar black-chromas interior.
Being in the chain is not only pleasant, but also convenient. At the same time, all the familiar Mercedes chips are preserved: the floor gas pedal, the foot drive of the handbrake, the multifunctional steering wheel switch. The chairs are perfectly distributed, the controls are ergonomic, the symbols of the buttons are clear. Adjustments of the seats and the steering column will arrange people of various complexions. There are several compartments for all kinds of small things in a wide front armrest. The rear passengers are less free: the place is not enough at the legs, but you can’t call a tight landing. Four years ago, the C-class surprised everyone with the sportion of habits, losing a little in smoothness. After modernization, the car became softer, but the acuteness of the reactions remained with it. Of course, speaking of severity, I do not mean the stunning sharpness of the half -year Japanese. Mercedes quickly, very accurately and collectively performs the driver’s commands, but self-esteem is still inherent in him. He does not allow himself shocking suddenness and overload of course maneuvers. The rotation of the machine is neutral, when the speed is exceeded, there is a slight demolition of the front axle, which can follow the skins instantly suppressed by the invisible power of ESP. The ESP shutdown does nothing: the electronics remains on guard, at the slightest threat delicately, but inevitably interfering in the driving. No less effective support in turns is reliable in the steering wheel. True, at low speeds the steering wheel is overly difficult - this is the peculiarity of compressor machines.
However, dashing in such a machine is only in emergency situations of the C-class as a true Mercedes causes a special pleasure in an unhurried ride.
The car rolls incomprehensibly easily and silently, but it does not soar on the canvas at all, and holds the road with a soft and confident grip of cat paw. Moreover, not only the driver, but also passengers feel this reliability and confidence. And the magnificent smoothness of the course again is amazingly combined with the absence of all kinds of buildup. Noise insulation emphasizes the cool sound of a standard audio system - warm, but with good details at the top and fairly dense bass.
If you ride a C-class in an appropriate style, the capabilities of a 1.8-liter compressor engine are more than enough. The motor is quite responsive, and after 3,500 rpm, its thrust will please even the gambling owner. And the machine is not a hindrance to him, but on the contrary, an assistant. The gearbox switches quickly and barely noticeable. In addition to the co -coffee regime, the machine has sports and sectral, which mobilize the capabilities of the car as maximally as possible, without violating, however, the integrity of its character. And the character, the breed can be traced even in details. Thus, the accelerator drive is in Mercedesian, with a springy, but from this no less transparent and logical connection between the gas pedal and the motor. The same applies to the brakes: under the pedal there is always some stock that can be sold in emergency circumstances. Now that when the image of the car has developed, I am ready to say that the 2004 S-class is the first Mercedes-Benz, which really costs its money. A little more than a million rubles are asked for the basic car, but not one of these rubles will be sorry. An impressive interior opens a new era in the life of a German brand, when the size not only began to matter, but when only the size began to have a value. This cannot but rejoice the owners of the mesh and cannot but be alarmed by the buyers of the ESCO. How long will the period of democratic moods last in the Daimlerchrysler leadership? Will they become a tradition or will it end next year, with the premiere of the new S-class?
It’s not long to wait.
Autography
Mercedes-Benz C-Class/203
Predecessor
C-Class/202 (1993)
Premiere
april 2000
Modernization
winter 2004
Body
sedan, station wagon, cheatchbek Sportcoupe
Engines
1.8-5.4 l (122-367 l.
Production
Germany
Expected replacement
2007
The car is provided by the Neva star by the official Mercedes-Benz dealer.
During the test, the car is insured by LLC Nation Center.
Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Roman Ostanin
A source: Wheel magazine [No. 82/2004]
