Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2004-2007 sedan
C-class: second shift
Why did Mercedes pack the new generation in an old suit
Dear and good cars are more profitable than cheap and bad. It is funny, however, that manufacturers of both those and others are related by the fact that they can afford to keep one model on the conveyor for a long time by modern standards. While there is a fierce competition around and many companies are forced to update the model range for almost every couple of years, Mercedes-Benz calmly, 4 years after the birth of the current C-class, displays its modernized version to the market. Which is no more and no less, not higher and no wider than the previous that is, the same body is offered; The same sedan, sportskup and station wagon. And there are reasons to declare a new generation of cars from Stuttgart masters, meanwhile, there are. What became obvious during a test drive. It’s good that in Mercedes the best enemy of the good either does not know, or she is forbidden to be guided. Otherwise, the C-class cars sold in the amount of 1 million 260 thousand units (the company had never achieved such success with one model in such a short time) would have been received by the spring of 2004 from 1493 to 1505 mm, nor a new salon, nor a new salon, nor a new salon. Neither new engines, nor other important constructive changes. The Germans, nevertheless, are highly prudent, and therefore decided if the old suit is from couture, is tailored solidly and looks decent, it is a sin not to convey it. Saving, again. However, this will be in time, but for now, let's look at the car with an unbiased look.
Sensation of novelty
We admit: despite the fact that the silhouette managed to become familiar, it does not look old -fashioned. Solid, despite the dimensions, okay shit, instantly outstanding the brand yes. But not outdated. Therefore, the designers approached the task of refresh the appearance with the caution of the plastic surgeon, focusing on the face. The radiator grill now has not four, but three horizontal strips, which, depending on the model and option of configuration, can be painted in the color of the body or have a stylish perforated finish (for example, in the sportkup version). The front bumper was redesigned, which gives the appearance of the car additional aggressiveness due to a low air intake with expressive lateral sections (they look especially good on the same compartment and C55 AMG cars), into which fog lights are built -in. By the way, foglights may not be simple, but containing another additional lamp on each side, this new option is called a system for improving visibility when the Headlamp Assist turns (only if the car is equipped with bixenon headlights). When the system is active, and the speed of movement does not exceed 40 km/h, these lamps light up automatically, as soon as the driver turns on the rotation indicator or turns the steering wheel, and illuminates the side zones at a distance of 30 m and covering the angle up to 65 degrees. An additional guarantee that you will notice a pedestrian in time or some unexpected obstacle. Moreover, the electronic control unit turns on and offs the desired lamp not sharply, but gradually increasing its brightness, thereby allowing the driver to get used to the change in lighting.
The headlights with the so -called smooth disperseers, and tires 205/55 R16 instead of 195/65 R15 in the basic configuration, give a more dynamic view of the front. No one bothers, however, to order 17- and even 18-inch branded wheels. Perhaps the rest of the external changes, such as various decorative linings on the sidewalls of the body or a slightly modified rear bumper in the Avantgarde version, are completely insignificant. But the salon was subjected to much more visible alterations. The dashboard is essentially new, and looks definitely better than the previous one. In the middle there is a small display divided into two zones, operational information is displayed; On the left, a speedometer with a semicircle of engine temperature indicator, on the right, a tachometer with the same semicircle, informing about the fuel level in the tank. The dials are dressed in chrome, so they resemble chronometers. This impression is especially strong in Sportsup (Evolution equipment), where the rims are slightly more forward and inclined down, which creates the effect of depth.
The new design of the central console emphasizes the luxury of the salon. Decoration with valuable wood species or textured aluminum alloy; a new form of control of the climate control system and switches built into the panel built into the panel; A large display of the navigation system all these little things give the interior a fresh look. The basic installation of Thermatic is proposed in the basic configuration, on order Thermotronic. Any of them allows the driver and the front passenger to install his microclimate.
The future owner is offered to choose from one of three new audio systems. The simplest 20 CD is equipped with a CD player, a telephone keyboard and a volume automatic correction system depending on speed, it makes it possible to adjust high and low frequencies. 50 APS is already Twin Tuner, a color display, navigation with a map of Europe. The Command APS has a large screen, a Navigation system DVD player, a CD player, as well as a four-channel amplifier (50 W per channel), e-mail and SMS communication functions. Of course, each of the systems can be controlled using buttons on the steering wheel, and the last two are also perceived by voice commands. Finally, seats. There are a great many options, it all depends on the taste of the customer and the configuration of the car. I managed to try several seats, and in each I felt good side support and felt quite comfortable.
Concluding the descriptive part, he should mention another know-how: the new enamel, which now covers the C-class body (I believe that from now on all other Mercedes bodies). It gives the car a special shine and, as the engineers say, resists the appearance of scratches. The fact is that this transparent enamel contains microscopic particles of ceramics. During the heat treatment of the painted body, the particles harden and form a mesh structure of high density, which resists wear much better than other enamels. For example, microzarapins will not form in a mechanical sink. The so -called nanoparticles increase the wear resistance of the coating almost three times and increase the brush of the body by about 40% (calculated!). Well, take a word for a word.
Meanwhile, everything that is still described does not allow, of course, to talk about the new generation of C-class cars, but only creates a feeling of novelty of the model. Therefore, it is time on the highway and the serpentines of the blessed island of Mallorca, where the test drive was held.
Feel comfortable
And Mallorca, I must say, is not poor. Golf clubs, chic hotels, villas of Hollywood stars, yachts from a million dollars apiece on the pier all this is impressive. Of course, and the deficiency of luxurious cars is not felt here. But the modest Mercedes C-class clearly came to the court, and the attention of the little in the winter season was not deprived of the idle public. What was not lucky with the weather. Rains with short -term sunbathing baths did not contribute to shooting, but allowed to fully evaluate the new capabilities of the car. In my opinion, I began with the most curious, in my opinion, the latest gasoline engine with direct fuel injection (C200 CGI), combined with a 6-speed mechanical gearbox, and packaged in the body of the sedan. I am almost sure that this motor will be finalized, but in its current form it is very good. Perhaps his main advantage is elasticity. Let it not promise an exciting acceleration to the car (9 seconds to hundreds), and does not please a tangible pickup from any speed, but the maximum torque is available in a wide range of revolutions, which provides smoothness during acceleration and eliminates the need to work too much to the gearbox lever. In addition, it is very economical.
The gearbox deserves a good assessment in its, so to speak, basic version, and excellent in versions for Sportsup, C320 and AMG. It is difficult to make a mistake with the choice of the desired step, in particular, because now there is no need to produce longitudinal and transverse movements in a lever sequentially, this can be done as if conveniently, you can not say anything. On modifications of C320, as well as on any cars equipped with a set of sports equipment, the gearbox lever itself is shortened by 20 mm, its course is reduced, and the programs are brought together. It remains to say that the clutch pedal is quite informative and does not frighten in a long move. For those who opt for a 5-speed machine, I will say that now you can now move from one range to another, you can not only download the grinding of the selector to the right and right, but also with the help of steering wheel keys. The C200 CGI versions, like C180 Kompressor, and C200 Kompressor, and cars with diesel engines are perfectly suitable for adherents of calm driving. Which, however, does not mean at all that they will feel like outsiders on the road in any case, about fairly acceptable and high -speed machines. If you especially appreciate the speed and possibility of Spurt, you should look at the C230 Kompressor and, finally, at C320 (AMG is a special conversation). In general, the choice of power plants is so great that it is difficult not to choose the right option, whatever personal preferences.
Listening to the car during a two -day dough, I could not get rid of the very feeling of novelty, but manifested in the nuances of the management, which was especially noticeable on mountain serpentines. It seems to be the same C-class, which provides excellent comfort and allows, at the same time, to feel confident in turns. But the car move became clearly softer, and the steering wheel reacted a little more acutely to the commands. It turned out (press releases should be read on time!), From now on the basic package includes a package called Direct Control (direct control). It means that, in addition to the processed mechanical gearbox, the characteristics of the front and rear suspensions are improved (the front became 22% softer), and the gear ratio of the steering mechanism is reduced by about 7%. Mercedes engineers say that in the end the management has become more sensitive and accurate, and the exchange rate stability increased. Ready to agree with this. Although, your will, I personally would prefer the so -called sports suspension, which is supplied to the order for any versions, and is in the Sportsup base. Reduced by 15 mm road clearance, tangibly stiffer springs and shock absorbers provide incomparable pleasure from absolute control over the car. In corners, even on wet asphalt, a car with such a package perfectly keeps the road, behaves quite predictably and with a disabled stabilization system.
Here it is impossible not to mention that new tires that allow movement after puncture are provided by additional confidence on the road. A partially loaded car can drive on a lowered wheel about 50 km, and with a full loading of the trunk almost 30 km, if the speed does not exceed 80 km/h. Small punctures are easy to eliminate independently using the standard Tirefit belnabrape, which significantly increases the mileage (with speed limiting up to 80 km/h).
To complete the conversation about the sedan from which he began this chapter, I will add that this type of machine is especially popular not only in Russia. 65% of all C-class sales falls on its lot. I have, I will allow myself a slight digression, more delight caused a sportkup with a three-spoke trough and aluminum trim, with the ability to truly feel speed. However, with regard to speed, the organizers of the test drive prepared a special dish for journalists. Would you like to grab it?
This, of course, will be about C55 AMG. Since the studio has passed under the wing of Mercedes, this has become a good tradition at the same time as serial models to represent their charged versions. Outwardly, C 55 AMG differs from other C-class models with the front of the front part of the body with elliptical combined headlights and increased approximately 80 mm long, which was required to install the mighty V8 under the hood. The capabilities of the machine are emphasized with the help of side linings, the original design of the lid of the trunk and the rear bumper. But the connoisseur of the brand will first of all pay attention to 18 inch wheels from a light alloy, tires 225/40 R18 in front and 245/35 R18 behind, and four chrome exhaust systems. Inside the seat of a sports type with developed support on the sides, silver devices in general, the appearance sets up in a military manner. And for a reason: for the first time, the C0 of the C0 of Class is equipped with a V-shaped eight that outstand 367 forces and 510 nm of torque. It remains to feel these numbers on the road.
This, I will report to you, dear reader, the rapture to go to the deserted in the morning an hour a wide route, properly click on the accelerator pedal and get a good dose of adrenaline from one sound of a confident exhaust system. 5.2 seconds to 100 km/h, this is not the main thing! The adaptive 5-speed automatic instantly accepts the rules of the game, moving from one program to the following, when the shooter near the red zone on the tachometer, and the motor rewards for this a two-ton wagon (namely, it went to the test) with crazy acceleration. 200, 220, 240 Yes, I know that here, as in all of Spain, the speed limits per good hundred km less, but at least once! In the end, this is a test. It is clear that if it would not be an artificial speed restriction at the turn of 250 km/h, the AMG car could continue acceleration. At the same time, what is important, he stands on the road, like a German express on the rails firmly and confidently. Well, oh well, it’s not really worth it to tempt fate, and the fines are also great here in front of the mountain road, it can be replenished with the lack of adrenaline in the body and at lower speeds. This is where I fully used the possibility of manual gear shifts. The automatic transmission is configured in such a way that it allows you to slowly slow down, using the inertia of the engine, while providing an additional supply of power before the next rise after the bend. True, for some reason, perhaps due to the habit, it seemed to me more convenient for me to use when changing the gears not by steering wheel keys, but by the selector handle.
Needless to say, the station wagon is not the best option for storming ligaments of turns on mountain roads. And heavy food made itself felt, now and then striving to go into the skid. But, again, after a couple of steep turns, the limit of the car became completely clear, so no surprises. The behavior of the car is easy to predict and prepare in advance for adequate actions. It should be noted the special settings of the stabilization system on C55 AMG: it allowed the station wagon into not too strong drifts, including work as if at the last moment. In general, this system is not able to spoil the pleasure of assaulting a ligament of the turns. Honestly, I would not recommend disconnecting it on narrow roads. In a word, C55 AMG is an uncompromising machine for fans of a sports driving style. I also have little doubts that the cars presented on Mallorca will be the subject for the sample of the forces of other tuning studio.
What is the benefit?
It so turned out that I went from Mallorca not to Moscow, but to the town of Zindelfingen, where the Mercedes plant is located, on which the C-class is also produced. Therefore, literally the day after the test, I had a happy opportunity to walk along the conveyor, along which sedans, sportskup, and station wagons sailed. And then a feeling of novelty did not leave me. I knew that it was hardly, but the thread seemed to me like a needle, as if it had been launched not four years ago, but only yesterday. The employee of the company, who accompanied the group of journalists, explained: there really is innovations in separate areas, we can say that the entire assembly technology has become more perfect. He did not spread about the details, and one curious operation attracted my attention. At the site of installation of interior details, some person went to the stern of the sedan, opened and closed the trunk lid several times, meticulously inserting a special white plate into the gaps. It turned out that he is not alone, and thus each car is checked! Already after electronic control posts, which are available at almost all key assembly stages. The guide, noticing my interested look, immediately explained: if at some stage the worker made a marriage, he should immediately, not after the car exit from the conveyor, namely, correct his oversight. At the expense of own time and time of other members of the brigade. Nobody wants to work more than expected, so marriage cases are extremely rare.
And our tour ended in the stamping workshop. The representative of the company proudly pointed to a giant portal, in which, in series, along a chain of presses, manipulators transmitted one large body part, which at the exit gained a ready -made form. He called the cost of this installation I am afraid that he did not hear in the roar, so I will say that it is hundreds of millions of euros. Imagine, our guide said, how many times each press should hit in order to recoup costs? In general, imagine. And now I understand even better why an old suit was tried on a new car. I think and the reader is clear why expensive and good cars are more profitable than cheap and bad P.S. I almost forgot: in the Russian market, where the updated C-class will appear, prices for these cars begin with a mark of 27,900 euros (for C180 Kompressor) and end at the mark of 73,900 euros (for the C55 AMG sedan, not yet about the station wagon reported).
Oleg Osipov
Brief technical characteristics of Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
Body: Sedan /Universal
Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 5439 /5439
The number of valves for the cylinder: 3 /3
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 367/5750: 367/5750
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 510/4000: 510/4000
Acceleration to 100 km /h, p.: 5.2 /5.4
Maximum speed, km /h: 250 /250
Average fuel consumption l./ 100 km.: 11.9/ 12.3
Fuel tank volume, l.: 62/62
Dimensions, mm.: 4611x1744x1412 /4626x1744x1455
