Sporty and elegant, the new C-Class

We South Africans don’t seem to fancy estate cars and I don’t know why.

I like them, they are practical, spacious and easier to park than a big chunky SUV. I also think that estates are just downright cool. However, the market is overrun with SUVs. I don’t know if it’s the size that makes drivers feel safe or maybe it’s the ability to intimidate other road users… No wait, it’s probably because Kim and Kanye drive an SUV. Mercedes-Benz SA seems to think that our market is style-obsessed and that South Africans view estate cars as more practical but less desirable than their sportier saloon equivalents.

Mercedes-Benz SA has taken a bold step in introducing the all-new C-Class estate into our fussy market and it seems as though they have paid much attention to the issue of sportiness.
I feel that they have done a very good job with this model. After you’ve picked one of the two front-end options (sports or luxury grille), the driver is then greeted by a sleek and flowing design that extends to the lengthened rear end.

The car resembles a shooting-brake and finishes off a far more modern estate-car design that should appeal more to consumers.
The interior is identical to the C-Class saloon with the familiar touch pad in the centre console, which allows the infotainment and climate-control system to be set by finger gestures.

Visibility is better, thanks to the larger rear windscreen afforded by its estate proportions. There is also a head-up display unit, which projects important information such as speed and navigation commands directly into the driver’s field of vision. The standard Audio 20 system comes with Bluetooth audio/telephony and is Internet-capable. Other audio functions include USB/iPod, SD card or CD/DVD. The command online system is also standard and offers features such as live traffic information.

To experience what the estate life is all about, Mercedes sent me from Johannesburg to Clarens, a very small town in the eastern Free State, nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and on the doorstep of the majestic Golden Gate National Park (GGNP).

Getting there was a bit of a mission I will admit. The roads have been neglected in some areas so expect some large potholes to randomly appear. In other areas roadworks are taking place which in turn translates to narrow single-lane roads, loose stones and detours on gravel. Not ideal but once you reach this sleepy little town, the scenic beauty of the place makes it well worth the frustrating journey. Oh, and the fact that the Mercedes is rather comfortable, helps calm the nerves as well.

The car I drove was fitted with Merc’s agility control. This adjusts the chassis, engine and transmission between four different modes: eco, comfort, sport and sport plus. They are all pretty self-explanatory. Mercedes-Benz also took the opportunity to introduce a new engine in the form of the 250 BlueTec.

This 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor with 150kW/500Nm on tap, makes the C 250 go from 0-100km/h in about 6.9 seconds, while consuming 4.5litre/100km. I never got close to that consumption claim, however, trying to reach it was more fun than eye-spy.

The two turbo petrol motors in the range are the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre in the C 180 and the 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre found in the C 200. I had an opportunity to drive the C 200 and C 250 BlueTec at launch and can confirm that both engines work well in this package.

Upon arrival at the GGNP one is greeted by many kilometres of gorgeous asphalt meandering through the mountains. The ideal place to select sport plus mode and to see if the C-Class estate drives as sporty as it looks.

As with the saloon, the estate provides enough dynamic handling qualities combined with a high level of comfort to make it a great compromise. There are two suspensions on offer, namely the standard specification steel suspension and the airmatic air suspension.

After spending many hours in the new C estate, I still don’t know why people prefer SUVs. Sure, you can go off-road if you want, but in an estate car like this you get so much more… With this, the C-Class estate you get a car that delivers a smooth, comfortable and compliant ride. A car that has class-leading safety features to protect you and those around you. A car that has enough power for effortless cruising and enough agility to entertain you should the opportunity arise. Plus, it has enough room for all your kids, luggage and the dog.