Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2004-2007 sedan

Noblesse Oblyge

Time flies quickly, the career goes uphill. Courier manager leader. And now there is a personal place in the parking lot at the office: it's time to purchase a status car. Of course, with an eye on finances and in no case no more than the authorities! But the prestigious brand is required.
We add to the classic three German business sedans Swedish Volvo, and you can start choosing. Yes, since the daily route is similar to a 20-kilometer cork, alternatives to automatic transmission are not expected. Go?
For three days of tests, measurements and photography, about 500 km on each car has been passed. April weather did not let me get bored: in 72 hours the spring warmth, rain, snowfall, frosty morning and a cold wet measurement, which are ideal for a duddy motors, were consistently replaced. It is not surprising that Mercedes completely laid out on a dynamometric road, receiving the highest estimates for dynamics. Audi and Volvo were a little short to the declared, but BMW was very divorced with promises. However, he was the only one in the wide 17-inch tires, and large wheels always reduce agility. In addition, the tires were winter, so the braking distance came out longer.


New style
The image revolution has happened! The third BMW series leaves no doubt that the previous style is over forever. However, now the treshka no longer looks alien and in the street stream a new look distinguishes it no more than it is permissible.
The Stereotype of Bavarz is in no way connected with miniature or, God forbid, thin. Nevertheless, the BMW-320i seat is best suited to thin drivers of small and medium height. However, a two -meter -out verzil will also find a convenient landing of the adjustments, but there is no modest width and height of the back.
We advise lovers of BMW to delve into the technical characteristics of new products: BMW-320i now not six, but only four cylinders. The engine volume is also smaller: not 2.2, but 2.0 liters, power is not 170, but 150 hp.
From Bavarian engines are always expected to be outstanding. But this one is distinguished only by efficiency, but he clearly lacks the character, despite the laudable quickness of the six -speed hydromechanical machine from ZF. BMW too spoiled the drivers with magnificent engines: just good is perceived as an insult.
  At first, I like everything: the unusually brisk touch, and the clear work of the gearbox, and the sharp steering wheel, isolated from road irregularities just enough to leave the necessary information, and easily dosed slowdown. But after some time, questions arise. Where does the dynamics disappear, it is worth turning on the second gear? Why does the car significantly rearrange the car? Why is every crack in the asphalt so hard? BMW unadapted suspensions are tuned to smooth, like a table, European routes. Even decent, according to Russian concepts, the roads of the training ground for them are a serious test.
  BMW handbags are best felt in quick S-shaped turns. However, it is necessary to steer not only energetically, but also carefully: too sharp the entrance and the stabilization system are quickly, but by no means elegantly correct the trajectory. Of course, it can be disabled and fun with stretched side slides, but this method of driving on asphalt is not optimal. But CBS is praised separately in the bend. The car confidently slows down on the arc, even in the sliding modes, excellent!
BMW is perhaps the most emotional car in the test is simultaneously sharp and at the same time friendly to the driver. But what conquers on steep turns, in everyday life becomes a burden, first of all, the worst comfort of the suspension (see expert assessment). Even the responsiveness of the steering after half an hour fast on ordinary roads seems excessive: because of this, the driver is constantly in suspense. I wonder what it will be with the active steering wheel?
Swedish surprise
Safe, convenient, reliable, stands out with style, but not in any way charming! These stereotypes of 30 years ago are alive, no matter how Volvo tried to get rid of them.
The driver's place looks unusually simple. There are simply no buttons, switches (with the exception of light for headlights), there are simply no displays on the dashboard. All climate management, audio system, mobile phone is concentrated on the central S-shaped console of the main designer find. Complex management of auxiliary systems has become part of the IDIS (the intellectual system of informing the driver). For example, the phone will not call at overtaking or intersection, but only with uniform movement or at a stop.
The main complaints about visibility: if you can still reconcile the rear window with embrasure (although it is not easy to maneuver without parking), then the most powerful front racks very much worsen visibility in corners, especially for low drivers.
  The limits of the seat adjustments are large enough, but we advise drivers whose height exceeds 190 cm, we advise you to pay more attention to landing. A driver of small stature will almost certainly complain about a too close headrest. The luggage compartment of Volvo is the third largest, very convenient in shape, but the opening is small in height. But in the rear seat, not only the back, but also the pillow are folded separately.
  The transversely located in -line five Volvo at high speeds is able to please not only with confident traction, but also with a thoroughbred sound. With a five -speed automatic machine, it made up a successful pair of the car vividly reacts to a sharp supply of gas, almost quietly switches upward at the acceleration. A feature of the manual mode of the box honestly does not include the transmission above the selected, the speed limit is triggered. There was no anti -wings system on our car, nevertheless, Volvo is not too intensively touching. And, despite the loss at the start, to 60 km/h
On the smooth and straight road, the dominant feature of a volvo stability that gives rise to confidence in the car. On the uneven coating and in turns, it remains a little in the turn of the Volvo turn is unless, and the reserves, it would seem, are exhausted by a dense suspension suspiciously quickly. Confidently bypassing BMW-320i.

Blow and have no doubt!
The appearance of the C-class is best determined as a small S-class all comments are removed automatically. The salon of the little Mers can still boast further of all the drivers of the driver's seat and a considerable distance from the pillow to the ceiling. But in width it is already noticeably inferior to more fresh cars. Although this parameter is more likely to characterize visual scope than the real need for even broad -shouldered drivers. The back is moderately spacious, two reputable passengers are seated with comfort.

The driver’s workplace caused, rather, traditional issues. The branded multifunctional lever on the steering column, a separate leash of the cruise control (excuse me, the tempo) for fans of the brand, is as natural as for the Orthodox to celebrate Christmas on January 7. Although the combination of manual control of the back of the back with electric pillow is not called convenient. Mirrors are unusually low, which does not find the eye right away. But they almost do not block the view back and ear.
Mercedes-Benz is known for independently doing a lot of what other companies prefer to buy. For example, gearboxes. Even the manual mode algorithm involves the swing of the lever not back and forth, but to the right and left.
The Mercedes automatic machine is characterized by smooth work and comfortable switching, but not very suitable for active driving reacts with noticeable delay. The most powerful (with the lowest volume!) The engine on the dynamometric road managed to lay the speedometer arrow on the mark of 240 km/h.
An unlodious stabilization system prevents trogox touching, so the initial acceleration is not too intense, but by 60 km/h Mercedes goes into the leaders. On a mountain road, it is more difficult for him to prove superiority to him the behavior of a car in marginal modes is predictable, it is not so easily entered into a turn as a BMW or Audi. In a critical situation, the stabilization system acts with a noticeable delay and clearly overdo it with the brakes.
But the most impressive quality of the Mercedes chassis unanimously called excellent comfort on a broken road. The high energy intensity of the suspension and excellent course stability give confidence in Russian autobahns ... even far beyond the permitted speeds. Mercedes on the background of rivals might seem boring. However, the advantage in comfort and smoothness of the course is too much so as not to give it due. At the same time, the Mercedes does not graze on a winding road and, not embarrassed, demonstrates adaptability to Russian conditions. Road clearance, energy intensity of the suspension and even excellent instructions collect points in its favor.
New word for the letter m
All experts came to a consensus, the seat and landing at the wheel of Audi are close to the reference (see assessment in points). Audi is also favorably different in vain forward and backward, but the width of the average body racks is excessive. In a compact business class, rear passengers often become a victim of savings. But in Audi they are not offended, even sitting behind a tall driver. True, the middle of the three is paved on a tall roller, spreading its legs wide. A spacious rectangular trunk and folding backs of the rear seats did not give reasons for criticism. And under the floor there was a place of a full -sized spare wheel.
Audi A4 engine is the most modest of four. A two -liter engine with five valves on a cylinder and adjustable phases is very lucky at any speed, and it significantly adds after 3500. Its impeccable partner of the chain variator multitronics works like a step transmission, while every time it accurately and quickly turns on exactly the transmission that is needed. In sports mode, it effectively slows down the engine, and in manual it is able to switch at the request of the driver ... Although, upon reaching maximum revolutions, an increase in gear is turned on by itself.
The smoothness of the transmission complements the equally predictable chassis. Even on an uneven road, Audi holds a good direction, and in turns willingly follows a given path. The steering wheel is somewhat lighter and more slowly than the requirements of an active driver, but is perfectly isolated from the irregularities of the road.
The experimental car was on the European suspension under the plastic protection of the engine compartment we measured only 115 mm. Nevertheless, the smoothness and energy intensity left a favorable impression. In a word, to the best of a sports chassis condescending to the typical errors of an inexperienced driver. In extreme cases, ESP tactfully corrects the starting skid, preventing the car. A little that you can find fault: an increased rumble of tires, not quite proportional to the slow -down pedal slowdown.
Curious facts
Taking Volvo into the test, we were at first fearing, the Swede would not be a whiting boy. But he stubbornly proved that he could well compete with the Germans in comfort, dynamics, and the operation of the machine gun. What can not? In the convenience of rear passengers and handling. But the ergonomics of the Swedes should learn. You know, an intuitive interface is not just a beautiful expression.
Audi, at first glance, did not grab stars from the sky, but earned the largest number of positive assessments from all experts. The reason is simple, he does not declare sports ambitions, but easily performs sharp maneuvers. Yes, Audi is less than emotions driving, but let's not forget this test of sedanov, not sports cars, and the winner is not the most frisky, but the most convenient in everyday life. Are there many winding free tracks in her?
Although formally the price list on Volvo begins with $ 25,900 (with a 1.8 engine), it is not worth it to even look at this four cars without 30 thousand. The price range is 3550 thousand dollars who want to spend twice as much.
The most affordable Volvo S40: with a 140-horsepower 2.4 engine, it can be purchased for $ 28,900, with 170-horsepower for 30 900. Add metallic, automatic and bag of additional optim equipment and get 36,050. Do you want an even more powerful engine? Start counting from 40 900. Full -wheel drive? Another plus $ 2500.
The next Audi is available. With a 1.6 liter engine, its price starts from $ 31,332. A frisky 1.8t with all -wheel drive will facilitate your pocket for about 40 thousand, and the owner of a more solid amount will allow himself any imagination, up to the Audi S4 in an individual configuration for about 90 thousand green.
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz C180 Kompressor start at 29,900 euros, C200 Kompressor from 32,400 euros, for C230 Kompressor from 34,500 euros (for a transfer to dollars were multiplied by 1.3). Regardless of the index, all machines are equipped with different versions of a 1.8-liter engine with a drive supercharger.
BMW-320i costs from 29,900 euros with a manual gearbox. With a machine gun and alloy wheels (business execution), the price starts with 32,900 euros. Even more expensive speaker with 17-inch wheels, folding rear seats, xenon headlights and a multifunctional steering wheel is offered for 35,500 euros. The six-cylinder BMW-325i and BMW-330i cost today from 39 900 and 52,500 euros, respectively.

A. FOMIN: I will not say that the result of the expert assessment was incredibly surprised, but everyone expected a higher BMW rating. The emphasis on the practicality in this test does not leave the Sedan from Munich a chance, the lack of a spare time will be a definite minus in Russia for a long time.

SUMMARY
BMW 320i everything is in a new way. More style, more emotions, more deliberate sports. But the combination of a machine gun with a budget engine makes the 320th vulnerable to competitors.
General assessment 7.7
+ Stylish appearance and interior, spacious interior, smoothly and quickly operating machine, reference rear -wheel drive chassis, economical engine.
- A small trunk, lack of a spare, hard suspension, low thresholds, no adaptation to Russian conditions, high price.

SUMMARY
The Volvo S40 well -equipped sedan is inferior to the Germans in a formal competition, but the well -found face of the car and the Scandinavian interior design give him good chances.
General assessment 7.8
+ Original appearance, excellent ergonomics of the console, a powerful engine, basic configurations affordable.
- mediocre visibility, uncomfortable front head restraints, closely to the legs of the rear passengers, there is no suspension adaptation, a small trunk opening, and dok.

SUMMARY
Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor classic is not aging? The charm of a powerful car is that he does not need a powerful engine. Comfort is enough in combination with the appearance of a small S-class.
General assessment 8.1
+ Classic image, excellent dynamics, comfortable suspension, low level of noise on rough coatings, excellent exchange rate stability, adaptation to Russian conditions.
- detachment from the driver, the unbearable back of the seat, a noisy engine at high speeds, high price.

SUMMARY
Audi A4 The embodiment of German rationality. A pedantic approach to the car in combination with advanced equipment and moderate-conservative design.
General assessment 8.4
+ Excellent work of the variator, a spacious salon, convenient for any chair, a large trunk, impeccable interior decoration.
- Modest dynamics, tires and pendants, small road clearance, slightly reactive effect on the steering wheel.


BMW 320i
The fifth generation of the BMW of the third series was represented in 2005. It is produced only with the sedan body.
Engines: for Russia, gasoline 2.03.0 liters (150258 hp).
Gearboxes: 6-speed mechanical (only 2.0 l), machine gun.
Complete: Basic, Business, Dynamic.
Price in Russia: є29 900 52 500 ($ 38 87068 250).

Volvo S40 2.4
The second generation of Volvo S40 appeared in the fall of 2003. The car is offered with a sedan body; The station wagon is designated as V50.
Engines: for Russia, gasoline, including a boost of 1.82.4 liters (125220 hp).
Gearboxes: 5- and 6-speed mechanical, automatic.
Complete: Basic, Optima, Premium.
Price in Russia: $ 25 900 45,000.

Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor
The second generation of C-class debuted in March 2000. Restyling in the spring of 2004. Body options sedan, station wagon, hatchback.
Engines: for Russia, gasoline 1.85.5 l (143367 hp), diesel 2.23.2 l (116224 hp).
Gearbox: for Russia only an automatic.
Complete: Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, special series.
Price in Russia: є29 900 73 900 ($ 38 87096 070).

Audi A4
The current generation’s debut took place in the fall of 2000, the modernization was held in the fall of 2004. Body options sedan and station wagon.
Engines: for Russia, gasoline 1.63.0 liters (102218 hp).
Gearboxes: 5- and 6-speed mechanical, automatic, variator.
Configurations: individual.
Price in Russia: from $ 31,332.






 
 
 
 

Anatoly Fomin
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"