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Universal Soldier

It is no secret that the popularity of universals in the Russian market is relatively small. And the emergence of a new generation of Mercedes-Benz C-class is unlikely to seriously shake this trend. But it’s a pity after all the new fighter of the German automobile industry can rightfully be considered a universal soldier. And not only by the type of body, but also in fact.

What can you do too strong while stereotypes are in us. Seven decades of the struggle for the triumph of developed socialism are still making themselves felt. Even today, more than one and a half decades after the collapse of the country of the Soviets, the post -head euphoria is firmly holding the throat of the majority of Russians. What else can you explain the fact that, unlike Europe, healthy practicalism suppresses the fading in Russia. That is why practical and convenient station wagons, which have long subjugated a significant part of the Old World, in our country are only fighting local importance. However, there is no doubt that thanks to pumped up soldiers, like the new C-Class, the Eastern campaign will someday be won. In January of next year, Mercedes-Benz will throw the five latest gasoline station wagons to the Russian bridgehead. We are talking about C-Class with two compressor engines of 1.8 liters and three atmospheric 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 liters. Three more universal soldiers with diesel hearts of 2148 and 2987 cm3 remain in the reserve. They will not supply them to our country yet.

The most promising of the five of the Stuttgart fighters seems to us 3 -frails C 280, which we chose for acquaintance in the German Mainz. At the first glance at the new C-Class, it becomes clear how thoroughly the designers worked on the body's contours and the interior decoration. Both the interior and the exterior of S-Class have changed almost beyond recognition. A new grille of the radiator, a section of the eyes, the front and rear body kit, the modified shape of the body made a cake more squat, fit and modern. The interior has become even more functional. For example, the monitor of the navigation system became a sliding and migrated to the upper part of the central console. The grace of lines, both in the internal and exterior decoration, markedly rejuvenated C-Class, giving it a more aggressive appearance. At the same time, it remains to admire how jewelry Stuttgart engineers carried out the cut of their car, having achieved an ideal combination of seemingly completely incongruous faces. In particular, working on the aerodynamics of the back of the body, in Stuttgart they managed to kill two birds with one stone at once. Firstly, it was possible to completely get rid of the vibrations characteristic of the station wagons. Secondly, the volume of the trunk increased, which now varies from 485 to 1500 liters.

Increased to 1800 kg and the mass of the towed trailer. But here it is worth considering one nuance. Of course, the rear suspension of the new C-Class, like any station wagon, is much tougher than the front. But in the event that you are going to very often carry heavy trailers, it is better to get such an option as a self-leveling suspension. It is almost impossible to find fault with the suspension. It seems to be created in order to please all your desires.

Adaptive shock absorbers with electronic control automatically adapt to driving style. With a different nature of the ride, the suspension reaction to the irregularities of the canvas is noticeably different. In principle, in the basic version of the C-Class clearance, compared with the previous modification, even decreased by 15 mm. The springs became shorter, and the torsions are thicker. But for life in the difficult conditions of Russian reality, our universal soldier will receive an enhanced suspension and increased road clearance. What can you do: in the war, how to fight with Russian roads without special training for the European auto -intelligence is tantamount to suicide. However, one way or another, and the Russification of C-Class is unlikely to negatively affect his character.

The steering, especially in sports mode, has become a little sharper than in the previous version. Given the traditionally academic nature inherent in both station wagons in general and Mercedes-Benz cars in particular, it is not required more. The extension of the wheelbase is 45 mm and the ideal (50:50) overweight on the axles positively affected controllability. Being behind the wheel of not even the most powerful 3-frail S-Class, I caught myself on the same thought several times. If you do not look at the rear view mirrors, you can easily forget that you control the station wagon. There are no aerodynamic vibrations inherent in sheds, and the back suspension does not seem too stiff. The dynamics is also impressive: 231 horse accelerates from 280 to hundreds of only 7.5 s, and a more powerful 3.5 -linen motor (272 hp) for a second faster. At the same time, even after braking by the engine in a comfortable mode, a 7 -speed automatic shifts gear without visible traction failures. Of course, there of course, of course, is not forced to superimplate, as on the new sports with 63 AMG. Although with 280 and a universal soldier, but not a sports car. In fairness, it is worth noting that our station wagon is enough. At the same time, it is distinguished by a reasonable appetite. If we take the entire line of eight new engines, the fuel consumption on average decreased by 6%, and the power, on the contrary, increased by 13%. So, the most promising for the Russian market C 280 and with 350 consumes in a mixed cycle of 9.4 and 9.9 liters per 100 km. This, you see, is very little for a car of such a class and such a strong nature.

Now the whole question is only whether the new universal soldier from Mercedes-Benz will be too expensive for the Eastern Front? In Europe, S-Class is asked from 37,366 euros. The Russian price has not yet been determined. She will be declared closer to winter. But it is clear that relocation to the east is not cheap.

Road spoon for dinner

Russia begins to wake up from a long non -non -consideration of sleep. And it is especially gratifying that the ban on the use of GPS was lifted just on the eve of the birth of the new C-Class. It would be painfully insulting to lose such an option. For 10 years of journalistic work, I rolled about 50,000 km in a variety of cars with a variety of electronic conductors in an old European work. Among them came across frank susanins and systems comparable in accuracy of guidance with modern missile systems. But, I admit, I have never seen such a perfect car navigator. And the point is not even exactly the accuracy of work or a huge number of available options from Bluetooth to the learning linguisticotonics. The point is the perfect aggregate of all aspects of work: from an unusually simple and convenient interface to amazing, up to a meter, accuracy of guidance and a huge number of small auxiliary options. For example, special icons tell the driver in which strip it is better to go. The only spoon of tar in this barrel of navigation honey is not a very convenient location of the control of the control: between the KP lever and the armrest.

To each his own
In Russia, as in Europe, the potential buyers of the S-CLASS station wagon are offered to choose from three models of the model: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. The design of Avantgarde is distinguished by a traditional brand of a huge three-beam star in the center of the radiator lattice is designed to emphasize the aggressive sports character of C-Class. The three -dimensional glossy radiator grille Elegance on the contrary focuses on the comfort and luxury of the car. The appearance of the Classic model is deliberately made more restrained and is designed to symbolize the loyalty to the traditions of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Any of these modifications can be ordered with AMG sports package, which includes: 6-spoke 17-inch wheels, three-spitz steering wheel, sports front seats and AMG rear body kit.

Driving
A very smart car that is easily adjusted to the driver control style.

Salon
Getting rid of wooden inserts in the Baroque style, C-Class was noticeably younger, but did not change qualitatively.

Comfort
Three zones of climate control, new seats and excellent sound insulation allow you to boldly put the highest rating.

Security
70% of the parts of the body frame are made of high -strength steel, 7 airbags, a complete set of auxiliary electronics, borrowed from luxury models.

Price
Mercedes-Benz has never been a folk car, so it will not have to expect the price of the new C-Class than the main competitors.

Technical characteristics of Mercedes-Benz Estate C 280
Dimensions, mm 4596/1770/1459
Gasoline engine, 2996 cm3, 231 hp/6000 min-1
Automatic transmission, 7-speed
Dynamics 0-100 km/h, C 7.5
Maximum speed, km/h 240
Competitors BMW 3-Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant

Advantages and disadvantages
+ New ContisportContact 3 tires are created as if specifically for this car.
- Not a too informative accelerator pedal requires some time to get used to it.

Our opinion

The car is ideal for both long trips and for a comfortable city ride. Strong and at the same time in some ways the present-up nature of C-Class destroys stereotypes regarding universals. And for Russia, with our post -Soviet complexes, this is doubly important. But, despite all its advantages, it is not yet necessary to expect the station wagon that the station wagon will become a bestseller of the Russian market.