HONEY, I SHRUNK THE S-CLASS

HONEY, I

THE S-CLASS

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrives in South Africa with S-Class-esque style and tech to once again claim its position as the segment leader.

BY MARIUS BOONZAIER. PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED, TIMOTHY THRONE

Afamous (and, to some, sometimes infamous) British motor-vehicle television show host once said of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that, over the years, the technologies found in the German marque’s flagship luxury saloon filters down to its more mainstream, yet premium, vehicles. However, with the latest iteration of the firm’s premium midsize sedan, it seems Mercedes didn’t want to keep the world waiting. The W206-generation model sports elegant (yet tailored for the C-Class) body lines and interior design and an array of the tech that was first seen on the new Sonderklasse. So, considering all of this, does the box-fresh Benz have the potential to once again claim the crown as the leader in the premium midsize-sedan segment? Spoiler alert: undeniably so. Introduced nearly three decades ago, the C-Class has always been an important car for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer. Although its premium midsize-SUV stablemate – the GLC – has garnered great popularity with plenty customers who prefer tall-riding vehicles, the sedan has soldiered on as one of Benz’s best sellers. And it’s no wonder why. The C-Class is beautifully

THE C-CLASS IS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED OUTSIDE AND IN AND IS EQUIPPED WITH, AHEM, CLASS-LEADING TECH AND DRIVING MANNERS.

designed outside and in and is equipped with, ahem, class-leading tech and driving manners. The new variant only enhances these attributes that consumers have come to adore of its namesake. From an exterior point of view, the C-Class sculpted silhouette spans from a star-studded radiator grille, endowed with the illustrious three-pointed star emblem, towards the rear. Flanking the avant-garde nose – as standard, the C-Class ships with the Avantgarde exterior package, though our test unit was equipped with the optional AMG Line package – are a pair of LED headlamps, which incorporate striking LED daytime running lights. The AMG-style alloy wheels add a sense of sophistication and dynamism to the C-Class’ soft contours. The interior is arguably the highlight of the new C. The exquisitely crafted cabin is solidly constructed and spacious. There’s ample head- and knee room for passengers and a generous luggage capacity of 455 litres. A large, portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen dominates the facia. The latter unit, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is a cinch to operate. The digital driver’s display is crisp. Adding sportiness to the cabin is the flat-bottomed AMG Line steering wheel. It feels pleasing in the palms, though it does take some time to get used to the touch-enabled controls. Safety equipment includes, among myriad others, six airbags and Isofix child-seat anchorages. Two derivatives are currently on o er, the C200 and C220d driven here. The dieselpowered variant is arguably the pick of the duo, with the engine boasting 147 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Thanks to the mildhybrid tech, the motor presents additional bursts of 15 kW for short durations. This, together with the smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, allows for fuss-free overtaking acceleration. The steering is wellweighted. In town, the new C-Class performs commendably. The ride is comfortable, with the suspension soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb. Priced from R813 490 (a five-year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan is included, as is a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty), the new C-Class is a near-perfect balance between comfort and dynamism, though leans towards the former. This is, of course, not to its detriment. It’s as a C-Class should be. However, with this model, the experience is yet again only elevated to class-leading standards. It is truly a case of “Honey, I shrunk the S-Class”.

The Toyota Avanza served as South Africa's fi rst a ordable reasonably sized people mover. Featuring compact dimensions, a simple fuel-e cient engine line-up and seven-seat carrying capacity - the Avanza immediately found favour with Mzansi (for both business and leisure use). Now after two generations, the trusted Avanza makes way for the Toyota Rumion. The Toyota Rumion brings with it a host of product improvements - specifi cally catered to the evolving needs of customers in the smaller MPV segment.

THIRD ALLIANCE MODEL

The Toyota Rumion represents the third product of the Toyota and Suzuki strategic alliance. Following the Starlet and Urban Cruiser, which have achieved signifi cant sales success in just a short space of time, the Toyota Rumion is poised to follow in its siblings’ footsteps.

CONCEPT & DESIGN

The newcomer keeps the same product concept, compact dimensions, a fourcylinder petrol engine, seven-seater layout, and good ground clearance. A noteworthy change is the switch to a front-wheel-drive layout - which brings with it improved fuel economy, better packaging and reduced mechanical componentry.

The front design employs a trapezoidal radiator grille, with the familiar three-horizontal-slat design and centrally mounted Toyota ellipse. These are fl anked by large, tapered headlamps with a large lower apron, which houses stylised air vents and fog lamp surrounds (where fi tted). The stylised lower bumper mimics the front design, adding a sense of cohesion and width.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

All Toyota Rumion models employ the 1.5-litre K15B engine which delivers 77kW and 138Nm. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are o ered (grade-dependant). The fuel consumption fi gure checks in at 6.2 l/100 km (a slight improvement over the 1.5 Avanza) for both transmission types.

CO2 emissions register as 146 and 147 g/km, while top speed is quoted as 175 and 170 km/h km, for the manual and auto respectively.

THE LINE-UP

The Toyota Rumion retains the existing three grade line-up; S, SX and TX. The S-grade model is aimed at customers requiring pure functional use at a low price point, the SX o ers a balance between a ordability and comfort, while the TX grade is aimed at the leisure buyer requiring enhanced comfort and convenience.

WHEELS & TYRES

S-grade models are fi tted with steel wheels shod with 185-65 R15 tyres. SX variants use the same size with stylised hubcaps while the TX models feature 15" alloy wheels. All models have a full-size spare wheel.

SAFETY & SECURITY

All grades feature driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD as well as ISOFIX points. An immobiliser and alarm are also included across the board.

PEACE OF MIND

A four-services/60 000 km service plan is standard on all Rumion models, with service intervals pegged at 12-months/ 15 000 km. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty also forms part of the o ering.

Customers can also purchase additional service and warranty plan extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer with an impressive 220 outlets nationwide.

BOOK CLUB

Our favourite new reads

THE POWER OF FUN

The Power of Fun by award-winning science journalist Catherine Price explores why fun is the key to a happy and healthy life. Price argues that fun can lead us to the happiness we so desperately seek while giving us more meaning and energy along the way. The book also includes a practical plan for incorporating more fun into our daily lives. Packed with useful information and advice, this is an eye-opening read.

THURSDAYS AT ORANGE BLOSSOM HOUSE

From bestselling author Sophie Green, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a brand-new novel about friendship, love and finding one’s self. Set in tropical Queensland, the story explores the lives of a group of women – a former cane farmer, a high school teacher, a café owner – and their yoga teacher who brings them together at Orange Blossom House, located in a perfumed rainforest. Here, the women find courage, strength and a sense of reconnection.

YOU CAN NEVER GET A CUP OF TEA LARGE ENOUGH OR A BOOK LONG ENOUGH TO SUIT ME. CS Lewis

THE LAST BEEKEEPER

This story by Siya Turabi is based in Pakistan in 1974 and tells the tale of Hassan, who is torn between decisions of his heart and head. He knows he must find the last beekeeper and salvage a precious jar of his mythical black honey to save his mother’s sight, but then he wins a scholarship to study with the state governor in Karachi in the middle of a brewing political storm. His world is further upended when he meets the governor’s niece Maryam. Divided between two worlds, Hassan must choose between Maryam and the beekeeper, England and Pakistan.

LOVE MARRIAGE

Written by Monica Ali, Love Marriage is set in contemporary London. Yasmin Ghorami is training to be a doctor like her Indian-born father and engaged to the upper-class Joe Sangster. The story explores the vast differences between the two families, and as the wedding approaches, misunderstandings and secrets threaten to disrupt both Yasmin’s relationship and that of her parents. The novel makes acute observations about class, sexual mores and the mysteries of the heart in a way that is both humorous and moving.

EM & ME

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy, Beth Morrey, comes Em & Me, a novel about finding and taking second chances. The novel tells the story of Delphine, who has been unable to let go of the past for years. When she finally decides to stand up for herself, she begins to remember what it feels like to want more from life. Gradually, she rediscovers her singing voice, opens herself up to friendship, and revives the memory of her mother, who she lost suddenly as a teenager.

BLACK CAKE

This debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson tells the story of Eleanor Bennett, a woman who won’t let her own death get in the way of the truth. When her estranged children Byron and Benny reunite at her funeral, they are made aware of a confusing inheritance; a voice recording from the mother turns everything they think they know about their family upside down. Author Charmaine Wilkerson is an American writer who has lived in Jamaica and is currently based in Italy. Black Cake is her first novel and is in development as a Hulu original series.

MINDWANDERING

Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood and Boost Your Creativity by Moshe Bar reveals a fascinating new theory by one of the world’s leading neuroscientists. The theory looks at why the mind wanders and when and why it’s good for you. While mindwandering, involuntary activities like daydreaming and worrying can contribute to anxiety. Bar suggests there is a method behind this apparent madness. He brings his decades of research together to explain the benefits of mindwandering within the context of psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry and philosophy and provides practical, helpful knowledge.

STOCKISTS

Beauty & fi tness

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Style

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The Diamond Works, OR Tambo Int. Airport LEVI’S www.levi.co.za MESSIKA BHH Boutique V&A Waterfront, Cape Town;

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