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CAROLINE GETS MOTORING Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at
www.changinglanes.ie
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS Mercedes-Benz has returned with a new generation of the perennial C-Class. This car is undoubtedly a pillar of the Mercedes-Benz brand, with a strong lineage that comes from a time when saloon was king. These days saloons are under pressure from SUVs – but the timeless quality of the C-Class means it's a car that still has plenty of relevance in today's market. In the last decade, the C-Class was the highestvolume Mercedes-Benz model, with over 11 million sold worldwide. There are two themes the motor industry loves right now – digitisation and electrification. Naturally, the new C-Class touches both. It's electrified thanks to plug-in hybrid and mild hybrids to improve effi-
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
Page 96 - 3rd May 2022
ciency. Inside there is also a significant improvement to digitisation with a new display and operating concept adopted from the latest S-Class. The new C-Class goes on sale in Ireland priced from €57,580 for a C 200 d (diesel), from €59,385 for a C 180 (petrol), and from €68,430 for the C 300 e (plug-in hybrid). It's available as a Saloon or Estate. For this new generation, the C-Class has a new look inspired by the S-Class but with more sporty and dynamic proportions. For the first time the rear lamps have a twopiece design. The C-Class undoubtedly has kerb appeal, especially in AMG Line trim, with further sporty enhancements to the interior.
Inside, the C-Class manages to feel even more luxurious than before. Cool ambient lighting sets the tone, while the new aviation style air vents give a sporty feel to the interior. Leather upholstery comes as standard. The dashboard and central display are also now slightly tilted towards the driver. Other highlights include latest generation MBUX infotainment and ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia systems with voice-activation and touch screen functions, alongside a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster. All models get a stunning portrait style, 11.9 inch media display in the centre of the dash. Ventilation controls are now accessed through the screen, but it’s quite simple to use.
