Comfort is key on the long road
2009-12-06 14:00
LONG road trips can be very uncomfortable for a family, especially
if you are in the wrong car. Comfort, fuel economy and a good drive are key
factors.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 180 Kompressor might not score brownie
points with your teens when it comes to the “cool” factor, but the car is a
great choice for a long drive.
Mercedes-Benz have added a number of economic BlueEfficiency models
to their stable, including the saloon in the C-Class range.
Under the bonnet the displacement of the engine has been reduced
from 1?796 to 1?597 cm³, but still delivers the same power.
So in essence the
C180 K is actually a 1.6-litre engine, but still delivers the same power at
115kW and 230Nm of torque.
Our test unit was a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive
characteristics standard.
The longer final-drive ratio makes for better driving, especially
over longer distances. The new display concept of the gearshift indicator and
current fuel consumption display in the cockpit all add to a pleasant driving
experience.
This model includes numerous intelligent technologies to reduce the
fuel consumption by up to 12%.
And when you are about to drive hundreds of
kilometres, a low fuel bill is very important. It leaves for more spending money
to enjoy the holidays.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can go 100km on 6.7 litres of
petrol.
But one needs to consider all factors and the true range will
probably be close to this figure but not that exactly.
Locally built at the Mercedes-Benz SA plant in East London, the
build quality is good and its interior is neat.
Leg room is ample and so is the shoulder and head room. Nobody will
complain about cramped spaces in the car.
Most families don’t have more than
four or five members so there is more than enough room.
As the estate is a station wagon, there is obviously more room for
that extra luggage the girls usually pack and also copious space for the golf
bag.
Road and wind noise have been significantly reduced because the
BlueEfficiency models make use of the same technology used in the uber-luxurious
Maybach.
Mercedes-Benz have added an acoustically sensitive plastic membrane
between the panes of glass which absorbs the wind noise.
The carmaker says this technology has enabled their engineers to
reduce the thickness of the windscreen, achieving a further weight reduction
without compromising noise comfort.
Another factor contributing to the efficiency of the car is the
forged lightweight wheels. They also play a part in weight reduction. Each wheel
is about 1.8 kilograms lighter than the usual light-alloy wheels.
Other measures include smooth under-body cladding to ensure air
flows beneath the car; partial covering of the radiator grille to reduce air
flow into the engine bay and adequate cooling of the four cylinders of the
engine.
Engineers have also sealed the spaces between the bonnet and
headlamps, as well as between the bumper and headlamps to improve the air flow
around the front end.
Even the suspension has been lowered by 15mm to reduce aerodynamic
drag, and this has a particularly noticeable effect at higher speeds.
So if your kids still think the Estate is uncool, try explaining
all these measures and perhaps they won’t mind doing a road trip in the “station
wagon”.