3 minute read
Mercedes C-Class Convertible
The C-Class Merc has been with us since 1993 and replaced the 180, and was the smallest model in the range until the A-Class arrived in 1997. It is one of the very rare Merc models that l have never owned as l prefer land yacht Mercs, like my current S-Class – it doesn’t so much drive as waft around like a Rolls and as the C-Class never enjoyed that rep, l avoided it. Till now...
When it pulled into Platinum Towers, l was delighted to see the retro soft top and not a heavy hard fold away roof that we have become so used to. This is a posh 4-seater with an array of engines and trim options. It sits under the E-Class and above the SLC (formerly the SLK). The E is a great car, but larger and the SLC is a strict two-seater so there certainly is a place for the C.
My review model is the C300 with a good amount of oomph under your right foot, with excellent space for 4 and a few design shenanigans to stop your coiffeur from being bent out of shape. First, we have the Aircap: a rail that extends from the top of the windscreen and a wind deflector that rises from the back of the rear seats, designed to minimize the wind in the cockpit. Then we have the Airscarf, that sensually blows hot air onto the back of your neck to keep you toasty. I must say that my all-time favourite time to drive a convertible is late at night, top downand heater on in the depth of winter – nothing quite like it and this baby would certainly work as there is hot air coming out of every orifice. The brilliance here is that inside with the roof up, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a hard top. So little noise penetrates the cabin that I feel might be witchcraft.
Power plants available start with the 1.5-litre petrol with 182bhp right up to the totally insane, and highly desirable, C63 AMG with a twin-turbo 503bhp V8 engine that sounds as if the world is coming to an end. But they didn’t send me that so upwards and onwards with my C300.
The traditional problem with rag tops is the shake through the steering wheel (scuttle shake) and the blustering around your head. The second is fixed, as mentioned, and the first is just not there at all. This is one of the most solid, surefooted cabrio’s l have ever driven – and l have driven quite a few as you might imagine.
The boot is not a bad size but the entrance is poor and will force you to pack squidgy bags rather than hard cases but considering the roof has to go somewhere when you press the button, not too shabby. If you want more space, get your wallet out and step up to the E or S-Class – both have convertible variants and both are superb cars. The interior is sublime and any complaint would just be silly – MB have been class leaders at this sort of things for decades.
Engine wise, the C220 diesel will likely be the choice of many (who know nothing about cars) as the C200 petrol offers far better, and quieter, performance and if you really want an all-weather car, they also come with four-wheel drive.
The C-Class Cabriolet costs about the same as the BMW 4 Series Convertible but comes with a better level of standard equipment. This includes 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights, faux-leather seats, keyless entry, climate control, heated and part-electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a wind deflector and the Airscarf system. The C63 adds four-wheel drive, adjustable suspension and even racier styling and an exhaust note that will weaken your efforts to save the polar bears.
The diesel models have some of the lowest CO2 emissions in the class – something that will appeal to business users l guess. They should prove economical, too.
Complaints – like regrets, l had a few! Why oh why can l not turn off the blasted annoying stop/start system? I can in every single other car on the planet but here, l have to drive in Sport plus to get it off and then around town, l am jerked back and forth like a nodding dog on acid. I know l am probably alone here but l hate the slight hesitation in acceleration you get with this stop/start system. The only other niggle is the centre console facia that is fake, plastic wood! Errr, why?
The C-Class convertible is a tour de force in automobile design – smooth, sturdy, comfortable, beautiful and, with the right engine, exciting and dynamic to drive. What more do you want?
By Maarten Hoffmann
