Luxury models were among...
Luxury models were among the star performers in a three per cent upturn in European new car registrations at the start of 2006, says analyst Jato Dynamics. New data for western and eastern Europe shows sales in this class rose by 72 per cent compared with 2005. The Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Jaguar XJ all fared particularly well.
Comfort-biased models...
Comfort-biased models in the fresh line-up will get a traditional-style nose, with the three-pointed star sitting on top of the bonnet. But designers have given driver-focused Sport variants a more aggressive look, with the famous badge set into the front grille.
Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety
Buyers can also expect revised trim levels as the existing Classic and Avant÷garde will be axed in favour of SE and Sport models. Elegance spec remains.
Entry-level SE and mid-range Eleg÷ance versions will follow the Mercedes tradition of comfort and luxury. How÷ever, arch rival BMW is clearly being targeted by the new Sport trim, which will give a sharper driving experience thanks to revised suspension settings.
Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety. Every model gets seven airbags, with adaptive dampers, more direct steering and short-throw gearshifts appealing to keen drivers.
An Advanced Agility package, com÷prising speed-sensitive power-steering, two-mode gearboxes and uprated sus-pension, will be optional on all cars.
Inside, there"s a smart two-tone dashboard with a colour display in the centre. It allows both driver and front passenger to operate the major cabin functions using a simplified BMW iDrive-style controller which is placed on the centre console.
Under the bonnet, buyers will get a choice of three diesel engines. These comprise the 2.2 136bhp C200 CDI and 170bhp C220 CDI, plus the 3.0-litre C320 CDI, which offers 224bhp.
Petrol fans are also well catered for by the new C-Class line-up, with the C180 and C200 Kompressors produc÷ing 156bhp and 184bhp respectively. The C230 uses a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6, while the C280 has a 231bhp 3.0 V6 and the C350 a 272bhp 3.5 V6.
Drivers looking for stronger perfor÷mance will have the option of an AMG-tuned model next year, when the 6.2-litre V8 unit from the CLS and R63 is expected to feature under the bonnet.
A C-Class estate is on the cards as well, although the future of the existing Sports Coupé is less certain; Merc bosses have yet to make a decision about the three-door. The saloon will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March before hitting dealers in June.
However, the newcomer has already been given the thumbs-up by German inspection authority TUV. It has awarded the C-Class an Environmental Certifi÷cate because of its improved economy, eco-friendly development and the use of green materials in its construction.
Prices for the range have yet to be announced, although the cost of entry-level cars isn"t expected to rise.