Mercedes-Benz C200: Time for a little talk

What is it?

As is often the way, the virtually all-new Mercedes C-Class is larger than the model it replaces.

Indeed, it’s not far short of the size of the older E-Class models.

But some of the extra size is ‘lost’ as it’s there to add larger crumple zones to further protect occupants in a crash.

What’s it cost?

The inside of the C200 is upmarket and modern.

The MBUX infotainment screen is large and well-shaped.

Indeed, it’s similar in size and shape to an iPad Pro so will appeal to those who use an iPad on a day-to-day basis.

The ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant can now control more than in the superseded model.

Voice requests worked virtually every time in our test car, possibly because my voice was one used in the very early days of this system when journalists and others, were asked to read a number of words into a computer by way of a microphone.

Interestingly, Aussie journos who have road tested the voice assistant in Mercs say that the system struggled at times to understand them.

Perhaps try the voice recognition for yourself if you’re considering buying a C-Class — indeed any Mercedes.

Some find it no hassle, others get cranky with it and have even been known to swear at it.

Try swearing at the system and you are likely to find that it says: “Word not understood!”

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and integrated DAB+ radio worked well for us, though there was the irritatingly common loss of signal when listening to the radio in areas where there are trees or high slopes beside the car.

Safety-wise C200 has 10 airbags, including a centre one in the front.

Driver assistance aids include a 360-degree camera system that can be used to help you park the car as it shows a view of the car and its surrounds.

There’s also a lane-departure warning system that alerts a driver who isn’t paying attention, probably because they’re talking on the phone, sending text messages or turning around to look at rear seat passengers while the car is moving.

C200 is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

What’s it go like?

The latest Merc C-Class is easily mistaken for one of its larger brothers thanks to its styling.

Australian imports have the AMG Line kit fitted as standard.

There’s nothing subtle about the C200 with a large three-pointed star bang smack in the centre of the grille.

And if you look closely at the grille, you will see hundreds more tiny stars keeping company with the large one.

Look at the upper-centre of the grille and you will see a forward-facing camera which is part of the safety package as well as a helper to make it easier to park the car.

C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, as well as a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator that sits between the electric motor and the nine-speed automatic transmission.

The system generates 150kW of power at 5800 rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1800 rpm.

The nine-speed automatic is smooth and virtually unfelt as it changed both up and down. That’s in normal driving, at least.

Changes can be felt through the brake pedal as the system switches from regeneration mode to friction (normal) braking.

During our testing we gradually became used to the feel.

May we suggest that you request the salespeople at the dealer you’re visiting give you significantly longer time to test drive the car.

Because there are several things you have to adapt to, all the more so if you’ve never driven a Benz before.

While the C-Class isn’t designed as a sports machine you can set it up in a sporty mode to let you do some spirited driving.

Handling is precise and the car responds nicely to inputs through the steering wheel and the accelerator pedal.

It holds the road well at speeds well above those suggested by the somewhat outdated roadside signs that tell you what’s ahead.

Fuel consumption from the 66-litre tank is a claimed 6.9L/100km and it takes premium unleaded.

You can store your user preferences and log into the car using a fingerprint so that each driver can have their seat position and cabin set up configured as soon as they activate their profile.

The C-Class can carry four adults without those in the front seats having to give up legroom to make space for people travelling behind them.

If you do have to carry five folks the one in the centre position will have to be on the slim side.

Which is pretty well the norm in anything less than full sized sedans or station wagons.

What we like?

• Aggressive looks
• Size has grown
• Voice requests work
• AMG Line kit fitted as standard
• Smooth gear changes
• Excellent ride and handling

What we don’t like?

• Radio dropouts
• Friction braking takes some getting used to

The bottom line?

Unmistakably a Mercedes in the way it looks and feels, the C200 is reasonably priced for what it is and provides status for those who like to be seen driving a prestige car.

 

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