| | Since its launch debut in 2007, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has caused an overwhelming sensation in the sporting world. Having received worldwide accolades making it a ‘must have’ car and being the bestseller in the Mercedes line-up, the latest Mercedes- Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is now equipped with more exciting features to meet greater expectations of various customer groups. |
| Dynamic Handling Package: comfort and sportiness all in one |
Mercedes-Benz has developed a Dynamic Handing Package which offers drivers a choice of two shift programs – Sport and Comfort. Within these two programmes, the shock absorbers are subject to infinitely variable electronic control.
A total of seven sensors monitor the current driving situation and relay their information to an electronic control unit, which then calculates the optimum shock absorber characteristic. Depending on the current road or operating conditions, the system adjusts the damping forces for each individual wheel – variably and fully automatically, for even more ride comfort and individuality. When driving normally on poor road surfaces, a soft damper setting is selected to maximise occupant comfort while maintaining excellent handling stability and safety. If the driver decides that more brisk progress is called for however, the shock absorber settings are continuously adapted to meet the wish for more dynamic performance.
The driver is able to predetermine the basic vehicle set-up by pressing either the Comfort or Sport button on the dashboard. In Sport mode, the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are increased to achieve yet greater handling stability at high speeds and reduce the inherent under steer at speeds up to 120 km/h, for example. With this package specified in the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE, the body sits 15 millimetres lower than the Mercedes-Benz C 200 K, featuring shorter springs and thicker stabiliser bars. The newly developed speed-sensitive steering with variable centring is also included. In the interests of agile handling, the steering ratio has been reduced from 14.5 to 13.5. In Sport mode, the system also adapts the accelerator characteristics for more spontaneous engine response. Even the shift characteristics are modified and the shift times shortened on the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission.
The Dynamic Handling Package also includes a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The steering-wheel shift paddles allow drivers to change gear manually without taking their hands off the steering wheel. It also allows sporty and fast motor-racing-style gear changes in conjunction with 7G-TRONIC as well as a sporty flair as the paddles can be clearly seen by the driver.
The C 230 AVANTGARDE features a newly developed V6 engine designed to provide enhanced performance and higher torque delivery. This includes infinitely variable adjustment of both intake and exhaust camshafts, thereby ensuring that all 24 valves open and close at the most favourable time according to engine load. In turn, the charge cycle operates more effectively, thus energy losses are minimised resulting in improved efficiency. The refinement and inherent balanced qualities of a naturally-aspirated V6 engine results in minimal engine vibration. The smoothness in torque delivery enhances drivability, therefore allowing the driver to gather speed without straining the engine.
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The intake ducts are equipped with tumble flaps that regulate gas flow to produce accurate air-fuel mixture. Under partial load, this mechanism swivels out, creating turbulence, hence resulting in better mixture in the combustion chamber. The tumble flaps sit fully recessed in the intake ducts at high loads to increase gas flow for more power. Aside from enhanced engine smoothness, lower fuel consumption is also realised when used in tandem with the two-stage intake manifold. The C 230 AVANTGARDE consumes petrol at a meagre rate of 9.1- 9.3 litre per 100 km (combined travels)
With an output of 150 KW /204 hp, the naturally aspirated V6 engine displays exemplary torque characteristics, delivering a peak torque of 245 Nm across a broad range of 2900 – 5500 rpm. From standtill, it takes just 8.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The new engine enables the car to achieve a top speed of 233 km/h.
Other standard equipment include the THERMATIC automatic climate control, anti-theft alarm with interior motion sensor, PARKTRONIC, PRE-SAFE, bi-xenon headlamps and steering wheel gearshift paddles.
The new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE comes with 7G-TRONIC as standard equipment. The 7-speed automatic transmission represents leading-edge gearbox technology. Seven forward gears make it possible to widen the overall spacing between bottom and top gear while at the same time reducing the spacing between one gear and the next. The result is optimum engine speed at all times plus virtually imperceptible gear changes. Also, this transmission can shift down more than one gear at a time, for faster intermediate acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers two individual C 230 models – the ADVANTGARDE and AVANTGARDE ADVANCED lines. The AVANTGARDE ADVANCED model variant is equipped with COMAND APS.
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The Audio 20 including 6-CD changer is available in the standard Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE. A Bluetooth interface is built into both Audio 20 and COMAND APS, which wirelessly connect the mobile phone to the hands-free system. Music register enables copying and saving of music files and compressed audio files (eg MP3) to the 4-GB hard disc. These files can be copied from a CD, DVD or memory card.
The multimedia system COMAND APS offers even more functions than before in the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE ADVANCED. One new feature is a navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc (30 gigabytes). The high-resolution maps are shown on a colour display (7-inch), which pivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button. Other functions of COMAND APS include a music register with four-gigabyte of memory for storing MP3s, a DVD-player for video or audio and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system.
The LINGUATRONIC voice control system could be used for radio and mobile phone functions. Besides being convenient and user friendly, LINGUATRONIC also offers operational safety because the driver’s hands are where they should be - on the steering wheel.
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| The latest Mercedes inventions ensure maximum safety |
With more than 100 crash tests performed on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which includes the demanding in-house impact tests, the C-Class meets the highest accolade in automobile safety – the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. Hence, the front-end structure of the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area, while bypassing the passenger cell.
Complementing this safety technology is the very latest protection systems of six airbags, which are included as standard equipment. There are two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A to the C-pillar reducing the risk of head injuries during a side impact. As part of the standard equipment list, the driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Additionally, the standard head restraints operate on the NECK PRO principle whereby during a rear-end collision, the padded surfaces are pushed forward and upward within milliseconds to support the heads of the driver and front passenger at the point of impact. This significantly reduces the risk of a whiplash injury.
PRE-SAFE® is another special feature of new Mercedes saloons and the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is the first model which is equipped with this feature. This preventive occupant protection system is linked to active safety systems such as ESP® and Brake Assist, and is able to recognise critical driving manoeuvres at a very early stage. If the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is in danger of crashing as a result of heavy under or over steering, or if the driver needs to brake very heavily in a dangerous situation, PRE-SAFE® activates certain systems as a precaution to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for an impending accident.
The new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is also fitted with ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, which is another new development in the area of running gear technology. The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class technology and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Some of the ADAPTIVE BRAKE examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.
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