C-level rising
GarethD_CARmag
MilemanMedia
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel + 48V mild hybrid Transmission: 9-speed automatic Power: 195 kW @3 800 r/min Torque: 550 N.m @1 800 r/min 0-100 km/h: 5,70 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel consumption: 5,00 L/100 km* CO2 : 132 g/km Rivals: Audi A4, 3 Series, Lexus IS
+ strikingly styled inside and out; impressive refinement; effortless cruising ability
- adaptive suspension leans towards comfort rather than agility
When Mercedes-Benz South Africa invited us for an exclusive first drive on local soil of the W206 C-Class at its East London plant, it would be the latest instalment in a history of quality cars produced locally for a discerning global market. The facility opened in 1950, with marques as diverse as Nash, Packard, Fiat and Auto Union rolling out of the factory door. In 1958, Mercedes’ W120, W105 and W180 models joined them. The first W202 C-Class rolled off the line in 1994, setting in motion a legacy of C-Class production that has spanned close to three decades – the W203 to W205 would follow – and see the facility grow in both stature and reputation. It won JD Power quality awards for six years in a row
