Mercedes’ new C-Class Estate model is now available in SA
MERCEDES’ latest C-Class is now also available in Estate (station wagon) form in South Africa with a three model lineup similar to its sedan sibling.
The all turbo, all four-cylinder local range includes a 115kW and 250Nm C180, a 135kW/300Nm C200 and a 150kW/500Nm C250 BlueTec turbodiesel, which can all be had in a choice of four interior and exterior styling grades including Standard, Exclusive, Avantgarde and AMG Line.
Suspension choices are also in line with sedan derivatives, and customers will have a choice of normal and sport versions of the standard-specification steel sprung setup, while an optional Airmatic air suspension will come at extra cost.
The new C-Class Estate is bigger than the model it replaces, and despite a longer, wider and more spacious body, it’s now around 65kg lighter thanks to new aluminium construction techniques. A maximum load capacity of between 490 and 1 510 litres (depending on rear seat configuration), is 10 litres more than in the previous model.
Standard features include a new touchpad for infotainment system navigation, Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Attention Assist which will help avoid rear-end crashes by braking autonomously; and optional extras include an internet-capable Comand Online audio system, radar cruise control, an automatic parking function, and a host of safety systems including Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.
All Mercedes models come with a six-year/100 000km maintenance plan. “A TRUE sports saloon with classleading dynamics, refinement and technology”.
That’s how British carmaker Jaguar is describing its upcoming new compact executive sedan, the XE, which has its sights set on the younger market and will be unveiled to the world in September.
The manufacturer is already teasing us with snippets of information, and we can confirm that this “true driver’s car” – which will rival the BMW 3 Series, MercedesBenz C-Class (see our test elsewhere in this issue) and Audi A4 – will feature lightweight and mostly-aluminium underpinnings.
It gets an Integral Link rear suspension which, according to Jaguar, offers stiffer and crisper handling versus the more-conventional multi-link setup in the segment.
The UK-built compact sportssedan also gets a double-wishbone front suspension from the sporty FType, with levels of stiffness being compared to the hardcore XFR.
Steering feel should be meaty, with the XE getting a new-generation of Electric Power Assisted Steering. The software here allows for minute tuning for best driver feedback, and easier parking at pedestrian speeds.
And general grip-levels should be top drawer too, with the new All Surface Progress Control wizardry, developed in conjunction with Land Rover, promising claw-like traction from the rear-wheel drive saloon.
Described as electronically gaining traction with far less drama than a human driver can achieve, the system works “like a low-speed cruise control for optimum traction in the most slippery conditions”.
Spy shots show the XE as smaller than the XF with a low bonnet, shorter front and rear overhangs, and a familiar Jag nose. Power will come from a new family of lightweight, low-emission fourcylinder petrol and diesel engines, billed by Jag as its all-new Ingenium engine range – while the range-topper should get the supercharged V6 from the F-Type.
“It’s not just a shrunken XF, it’s so much more than that,” said the company’s head of design, Ian Callum, recently. Watch this space for details as they emerge.