WITH the worldwide status and reputation for quality that Mercedes-Benz has earned over the years, it is difficult to come to terms with there being such a thing as an entry-level ‘Benz. But there are models that are priced more affordably in order to both introduce new buyers to the brand, and to serve an established following for whom the flagship models are just out of reach.
The Mercedes C180K may be the smallest-engined model in the range, but in Elegance guise it is difficult to distinguish it from the more expensive derivatives. In this specification, the three-pointed star finds pride of place in the traditional bonnetmounted position, and the interior, too, takes on a more traditional tone compared with the more sporty, Avantgarde trim level. The specific tone of our test unit’s interior did not find favour with many of our team, but then the average age of the members has dropped in recent years, and at least it was a pleasant change from the matt-black finish found on so many of our test units.
Like seeing your father with an iPod, an optional display screen that rises from the fascia, thrusts the otherwise conservative cabin into the 21st century. The controls for this display are found ahead of the driver’s armrest, in the form of a dial and two buttons. With most of these functions, excluding the optional SatNav, duplicated in the form of easy-to-understand buttons on the facia itself, some of us found it easier to simply press one button, rather than having to scroll through the on-screen menus.
A combination of electric and manual adjustment on the driver’s seat, together with rake and reach adjustment of the steering column, allowed for a comfortable driving position to be readily achieved by all, and this set the mood for the rest of the driving experience. The large-diameter steering wheel, with speed-sensitive power assistance, never gains any serious weight or feel from an extremely light lowspeed setting – and never before has a driver’s armrest seemed like such a good idea.
The five-speed automatic transmission goes about its business easily, too. It is smooth and refined and, for the type of driving that this model is destined to enjoy, it proves a good match. This is not to say that there isn’t significant urge, should the need arise, it’s just that there is some delay in response when you press the accelerator.
Producing 115 kW of power at 5 200 r/min, with 230 N.m of torque delivered at 2 800 r/min, the supercharged 1 796 cm3 engine does well to propel the fairly heavy C-Class body from 0-100 km/h in under 11-seconds, but racing the clock is not where the engine feels at ease. Although there is good overtaking acceleration on offer, the standard cruise control is simple to use and set, and this is where this engine and transmission combination is at its smoothest, and happiest. A fuel index of 8,91 litres/100km bears testimony to this.
All C-Class models come standard with a high level of safety equipment, including the company’s new ProSafe accident anticipation technology, and the base model loses none of this assurance with its cheaper price tag. Brakes-wise, we achieved a good average emergency stopping time, from 100 km/h, of 2,93 seconds in our test session.
Test Summary
Being the power hungry market that we are, it can sometimes be difficult to just sit back, relax, and enjoy a car for its refined cruising ability, but the Mercedes- Benz C180K encourages just that. There is power, but that is not what this model is about. While the extremely light steering adds to the car’s leisurely character, we would still prefer slightly better weight and feel through the wheel, though this is one of the few things that we could fault with this entry-level unit. Our initial driving impressions (page 42 of this issue) suggest that the soon-to-be-launched new Audi A4 could threaten to upset the C-Class apple cart, though…
