Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007 sedan

All photos Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007

Now you are a star ... Mercedes from class

Mercedes-Benz cars have long been surrounded by a special star aura, they are created to be the best. This time, the smallest of them C-Klasse W204 was in the spotlight.

Mercedes-Benz of the middle class has long proved that the size does not matter at all: the Germans can equip this machine no worse than another S-Klasse (so that the saturation of advanced devices for each centimeter of the model is simply record)! In general, since the creation of C-Klasse has always remained a cool car level, attractive for taxi drivers, and for businessmen, and for lovers to light. The modification of the last generation, which appeared on sale in 2006, did not change the traditions: it is still an advanced machine, which, despite more compact packaging, has incorporated a lot of various innovations. As always, the choice of versions, engines and equipping levels is great, and our task is to help you understand this diversity.

General impressions
For many years, Mercedes-Benz designers have not really bothering themselves when the task of drawing the next model is faced with them: if you managed to designate a new round in corporate style (the pioneer usually becomes S-Klasse), then the matter is going on as a rudder. Work on the version after this comes down to adjusting the corporate identity for a certain size corresponding to one or another letter index. That is how the W203 appeared, and the previous C-Klasse too. But the W204 is somewhat different: yes, he has a lot in common with S-Klasse W221, but this is still not a miniature copy of the modern ESKA, but in many ways an independent machine, with his own face. It is noteworthy that the person can be both conservative and dynamic (the Germans provided several styling packets that significantly change the perception of the car). The salon, like the exterior, is very good, and not only looks pleasant, but also richly equipped, and the equipment is very convenient to handle. The impression is spoiled perhaps the cheap plastic that is designed by the interior.

As for sledges, at low speeds, simple C-klasse demonstrates remarkable maneuverability, and at a more serious pace, reliable and correct controllability, coupled with excellent stability on the highway, becomes obvious. But the acuity is not enough

Another thing is C63 AMG: crazy dynamics from the very start and to the stop, cool (albeit slightly dumped) brakes, acute, but by no means nervous controllability, suspension, which does not allow unnecessary body movements, but also not shazing the soul. Here he is, an amazing supercar, on which he wants to ride every day!

Characteristics

Type of body sedan universal hatchback
Number doors 4 5 3
Sum of places 5 5 4
Length, mm 4581 4596 4452
Width, mm 1770 1770 1728
Height, mm 1447 1460 1405
Wheel base, mm 2760 2760 2715
The type of suspension (front/back) is independent, with racks like MacPherson/independent, multi -link
The type of drive is rear or full
Brakes
(front/rear) circular ventilated/disk (ventilated)
Gas tank volume, l 66
Passive security rating*Defense of adults *****
Children's protection ***
Pedestrian protection **

* According to EURONCAP.

Choosing a body
C-Klasse (or rather, his ancestor Mercedes-Benz 190) was born a sedan and seems to be a sedan and die. Most of the C-Klasse of previous generations in our country are four-door, and the 204th more often meet in the sedan body. Despite the fact that the new generation machine is outwardly more angular and much less smooth than the previous one, in the swiftness of the appearance of the W204, is inferior to its assertive ancestor.

The C-Klasse line is not limited to the four-door body alone: \u200b\u200bthe station wagon, although not so popular, is still. Although it costs significantly more than a four -door version (basic C180K with five doors for 1,583,000 rubles), and the choice of engines (in addition to C180K sell only one model C230, worth 1,800,000 rubles) and sets (station wagon is offered only in the so -called so -called Special series) is extremely limited.

There is also a hatchback with three doors, however, strictly speaking, this is still an independent model (called it is CLC-Klasse), and it is built on the basis of the previous generation C-Klasse (although lighting equipment has already been used by a new model). They offer such a car not cheaper than 1,328,400 rubles. (C180K). As in the case of the station wagon, the choice of engines is small: in addition to the 2.5-liter V6, installed on CLC230 and increasing the price of up to 1,709,700 rubles, there is a 1.8-liter compressor unit, which is equipped with CLC200K worth 1,541,600 rubles.

Sources of movement
The weakest motor that drive C-Klasse in motion, a 1.8-liter compressor with a capacity of 156 liters. p., used in C180K. The minimum price of a machine with such an engine is 1,336,600 rubles. This unit can transfer the craving for wheels both through a 6-speed mechanics and using a 5-band machine gun.

The same motor, but already issuing 184 liters. p., designed for the C200K version worth 1,488,300 rubles. The car accelerates to 100 km/h for a second faster than a less powerful model (the run time to a hundred is 8.6 s instead of 9.5). The choice of transmission is similar to C180K.

Despite an additional 20 liter. p., modification C230 (in fact, under its hood is not 2.3, but 2.5 l) accelerates only a little faster than C200K. But as an option, a more advanced 7-speed automatic transmission is proposed. There is a car with a 2.5-liter V6 from 1,549,800 rubles.

A slight underestimation of the index is also observed in the next version of the C280 version: in fact, its engine volume is not 2.8, but all 3 liters. The power is 231 liters. With. The choice of boxes is the same as C230, but the price is higher from 1,607,200 rubles. By the way, unlike less powerful C280 modifications, it is all -wheel drive (the surcharge is approximately 130 thousand rubles).

The choice between the rear-wheel drive and all the leading is for C350, equipped with a 272-horsepower V6, which disperses C-Klasse to hundreds of only seven seconds. But as for the transmission, a 3.5-liter unit is coasted only with a 7G-Tronic 7-speed box. The cost of a car with such a motor is 1,832,700 rubles. Do you need all -wheel drive? We'll have to pay another 115 thousand.

After the C350, a sharp leap in volume, power and price follows: get acquainted, C63 AMG. Engine with a working volume of 6.2 liters, 457 liters. p., characteristic appearance, price tag 3 312 800 rub. This car is clearly not for everyone.

Basic levels of equipment
Unlike some BMW models, the equipment of the compact Mercedes-Benz is practically not tied to the machine index: C180K, C200K, C230, C280 and C350 are equipped almost the same. The only noticeable differences in the versions of the wheeled wheels (and on the C350 in series install the smart control system).

Any C-Klasse boasts an abundance of standard equipment: the kit includes many useful things, including a full arsenal of airbags, electric package, two-zone climate control, multifunctional steering wheel, on-board computer, tire pressure sensors, Abs, Brake-Sissist, ESP, and Also partially electrified front seats.

For those who want to give their car, the Germans offer several styling packets. The basic Classic, which is not even included. The next in rank modification of Elegance (the surcharge for it is approximately 110 thousand rubles). It differs from Classic in a different decoration of the cabin (other fabric and wooden inserts are used), as well as an improved design: alloy wheels, fog lights with chrome edges and other small details.

Avantgarde (will increase the price by almost 110 thousand rubles) is not as conservative as Elegance: in the cabin, aluminums were used in the cabin instead of wooden inserts, and a star with three rays from a separate legs on the hood was moved to the radiator lattice. In addition, instead of 16-inch discs, wheels with a diameter of 17 inches are used.

Sport is your topic? Then you should look at the AMG sports package. The interior of such a machine is distinguished by sports seats, a three -spoke steering wheel and other trifles like special rugs, and the appearance is changed due to discs with a special pattern, a characteristic aerodynamic body kit, lower planting and perforated brake discs. The cost of a sports package ranges from 110-180 thousand rubles. (It all depends on the initial configuration: Classic, Elegance or Avantgarde).

But those who prefer to be, and not seem, will probably not be interested in a vegetable with a specific styling, but a full -fledged C63 AMG sports car (unless, of course, funds allow). In addition to the most powerful 6.2-liter motor, the top chain from its serial brothers is distinguished by expanded wheeled arches, other lighting equipment, protrusions (stiffeners) on the hood, as well as 18-inch wheels. There are differences in the filling: more advanced brakes, a faster firing machine, a different salon with seats that have adjustable side support according to a completely different car than conventional C-Klasse.

Note that C180K, C200K, C230 and C280 4MATIC are available in a special series. In addition to the existing serial equipment, the machine receives a metallic body, rain sensor, crankcase protection, an enlarged clearance, bixenon headlights with a washer, heating of the seats, as well as a security system. The C200K in a special performance is additionally equipped with a parking radar, and C280 4MATIC is also an audio system with a CD changer. By the way, if customers of compressor versions of a special series need to pay extra for Elegance or Avantgarde packages, then those who purchase a car with V6 have no such need. These cars are more expensive than simple analogues for 150-250 thousand rubles. (depending on which engine is originally equipped).

Additives?
It is more profitable for many firms to carry cars in fixed trim levels, but the Germans would not be Germans if they had not provided customers with the opportunity to complete their cars to their own taste. So, for C-Klasse, numerous additional equipment is proposed (though not every position is available to all modifications). You can significantly change the character of the chain by ordering the Advanced Agility package, which provides for the sports mode of the suspension and gas pedal, costing from 37 thousand rubles. For a car with AMG sports package up to 131 thousand rubles. for the performance of Classic.

In addition, there is an opportunity to improve the interior by ordering about 100 thousand rubles. Leather upholstery (in the base of the salon is finished with either fabric or artificial skin), a more advanced climate control system, heated rear seats, panoramic roof, Harman Kardon music, as well as the Comand multimedia system (one of the most expensive options, the cost of 200 thousand rubles. ), which includes a 7-inch screen, a navigation system, a hard drive for storing music, the possibility of voice control and much more.

Of course, the basic model can be equipped with everything that enters a special series: Parctronics (41 thousand rubles), bixenon, rain sensor and others, as well as use a metallic paint.

COMPETITION

BMW 3 -rehe
The current generation of 3 -rehe made his debut in this class for a long time. Nevertheless, it is quite competitive: in terms of smoothness, BMW is slightly inferior to C-Klasse, but it is a little superior in comfort of the cabin, as well as in running qualities.

Audi A4
The chain, the new generation A4 appeared relatively recently. The dimensions of the machine are noticeably superior to the dimensions of both Mercedes-Benz and BMW, so the advantages in the comfort of the cabin remain with the carrier of four rings. Plus, A4 can boast not the worst combination of comfort and running qualities.

Lexus IS250
A full -fledged Japanese player among the compact sedans of the premium segment: IS250 has a refined chassis, a pleasant salon and rich equipment. One thing is bad: the choice of engines is small (either a 2.5-liter 4GR-FSE, or a powerful 5-liter V8), and the body is one at all.