Guitigefilmpjes: Car review

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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Car review: BMW 335i Sport Line (2013 / F30)

Technical Data

Model (Model Year / Code): BMW 335i xDrive Sport Line (2013 / F30)
Engine: N55B30 / 2979 cm³ / R6 / TwinPower-Turbo / petrol
Transmission: 8-speed Sport automatic transmission "Steptronic"
Paintwork + Interior + interior trim + wheels: Alpine white + Anthracite / Grey Track cloth upholstery + Brushed aluminium trim + 17-inch alloy wheels Star-spoke style 394

€48.640,00 BMW 335i xDrive F30

€0,00 Alpine white
€0,00 Wing mirror caps Alpine white
€0,00 17-inch light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 394 (winter tyres)
€0,00 Anthracite / Grey Track cloth upholstery
€0,00 Brushed Aluminium Trim
€0,00 High-gloss Black interior trim finisher

€1.900,00 Sport Line:

€0,00 17-inch light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 394 (winter tyres)
€190,00 Brushed Aluminium Trim
€0,00 Anthracite / Grey Track cloth upholstery
€0,00 Sport steering wheel
€0,00 Sport seats

€1.090,00 Comfort package

Automatic Air Conditioning
Extended storage
Extended Interior Light Package
Head restraints, rear and folding

€600,00 Driving Comfort package

Enhanced Bluetooth functionality with USB audio interface
Cruise control with brake function
Armrest, front with sliding adjustment

€1,790,00 Visibility package

Xenon headlights
Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation
Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
Headlights wash
Adaptive Headlights
High-beam Assistant

€340,00 Sunblind - rear windscreen, electric

€480,00 Alarm system

€570,00 Comfort Access

€1.100,00 Electric Glass Sunroof

€-,-- Floor mats, velour

€30,00 Smokers package

€390,00 Exterior trim, High-glos Shadowline

€240,00 Headlining, Anthracite

€1.290,00 Electric Front Seats + Driver Memory

€400,00 Split-folding rear seats

€370,00 Seat heating, front

€-,-- Multi-function controls for steering wheel

€2.390,00 Navigation-system Professional

€0,00 BMW Assist
€0,00 BMW Online
€0,00 Internet
€-,-- (standard) Voice Control
€980,00 Head-up Display
€1.200,00 Loudspeaker system - Harman / Kardon surround sound
€250,00 Apps
€-,-- Black panel display, full
€320,00 Speed limit display

€410,00 Exterior mirrors - folding, auto dimming
€790,00 Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear

€-,-- Foglights, front

€560,00 Lange change warning system

€350,00 Dynamic Safety (Active Protection)

€40,00 Passenger airbag deactivation, front

€200,00 Variable sport steering

Total price in Germany: €67.540,-*

*Prices are the German prices in Februari 2013

Performance: 306hp (225kW) / 400nm

0 to 100km/h: 5,0sec
Top speed: 250km/h (155mp/h) - limited
Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 11,2 liter / 100 kilometer (21 mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
Price (Germany): €67.540,00

In 2012 BMW introduced the sixth generation of the BMW 3-series, internally designated as the F30, as the succesor to the 3-series E90. The F30 is produced at BMW-plants in Munich, Regensburg, Tiexi (Shenyang / China) and Rosslyn (South Africa). Its official introduction was in Munich on the 14th of October 2011, and the first F30s have been delivered on the 11th of February 2012.

An estate version, the 3-series Touring F31, has been introduced in May 2012. Deliveries of the Touring have been commenced since August 2012. A change from the previous system is that the coupe and convertible will not be in the 3-series range anymore, but will be placed in the 4-series range, available this year.

This specific car is a BMW 335i xDrive Sport Line. It features BMWs N55 turbocharged direct injection DOHC piston engine, that has been in production since 2009 and was already used in the 335i E90. A major change from its N54 predecessor is that it only features a single twin scroll turbocharger, instead of parallel twin-turbochargers. BMW calls this the TwinPower-Turbo engine, in which the turbocharger both serves the lower and higher rev ranges.

1. Exterior

After the radical design line of the Bangle-years, BMW has returned to a more conservative design with the introduction of the 7-series F01 in 2008, which also extends to the design of the new 3-series. Apart from the usual design features that can be found on all models, like the double kidneys and Hofmeisterknick, BMW has also tried to give its cars a more harmonized look. Where during the Bangle years each series had its unique and clearly distinguishable design, the current styling makes them sometimes hard to distinguish from one model range to another.

Although the 3-series F30 is clearly a BMW, its appearance is not overly exciting. It is slightly less curvy then the predecessor and has some sharp edges around the front lights, which now run all the way to the kidneys. Just as with the 1-series, BMW has introduced "Lines". These so-called "Lines" turn the car into a chameleon, depeding on which line you choose (Sport-, Modern- or Luxury Line), it comes with special details that enhance the looks of the car. For example, Modern- and Luxury line offer chrome accents in the kidneys, exhaust pipes and front bumper, while the Sport Line comes with black kidneys, exhaust pipes and shadow line window trim. Another new feature are the window caps which are available in different colors.

There is a drawback to the new "Line" policy. As every Line comes with certain alloy wheels and other specific design features, it restricts the choices the customer can make. For example, it is not possible to combine the shadow line accenting with the Luxury Line package. Also there is only a small selection of alloy wheels available for each line. Still these minor restrictions can be overcome, in the interior the choices for upholstery and interior trim are much more curtailed.

2. Engine, transmission and handling

In the 335i, BMW employs the N55 engine that has been introduced in the 535i Gran Turismo in 2009, which was the first TwinPower Turbo engine that BMW used. In the previous x35i engine BMW used two turbochargers, but these have been replaced by a single twin scroll turbocharger. Displacement of the engine is 2979cm³ which results in 306hp, 400Nm and a (limited) top speed of 250km/h (155mp/h).
Due to the twin scroll turbocharger, the engine has plenty of power available all the time. Most fun is accelerating in the 335i, combined with a rollercoaster like feeling of moving forward, the engine sound is a superb background sound which makes music in the car redundant*. However, in winter or rainy conditions it is hard to transfer the power from the car to the road. xDrive is BMWs 4-wheel drive system and that resolves the issue of transferring the power to the road, as it is quicker accelerating in adverse conditions then its rear-wheel drive brother.

* Sound is hard to describe in words, hence you can listen to the 335i engine in the video below.

TwinPower-Turbo 2979cm3 6-cylinder engine

The N55 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission made by ZF, while a 6-speed manual gearbox also is available. Some might argue that a performance engine as the 335i' should be accompanied by a manual gearbox, but the 2 extra gears of the 8-speed automatic gearbox make this also a worthwhile consideration. Not only is the gearbox changing gears quicker them most drivers, the sport automatic transmission also comes with a steering wheel that includes paddles, giving the driver almost complete control over the gearbox. Only when shifting up too high or low the gearbox will not follow instructions, to prevent any damage or stalling the engine.

Although it is not the primary goal of this engine to be the most fuel efficient way of getting the F30 to its destination, BMW has also fitted the 335i with the "Efficient Dynamics" package, including the start / stop system and the "EcoPro-mode" that shifts the gears earlier in order to save fuel. To my experience the EcoPro-mode is used rather seldomly, instead the sport mode is the most appealing mode to drive the 335i in.

A new feature is the speedo that shows if the engine is switched off completely or merely shut down by the auto start / stop system, indicated by the "ready" mark.

Often when BMW introduces the new model to replace an old one of the same type, it tends to grow larger, but also it seems to be trimmed more towards comfort then its predecessor. This is also true for the F30, it has gained some weight which results in a more neutral handling. But the weight distribution on this car is excellent, it has been one of BMW major advantages, making the car a perfectly balanced car even though the handling has changed towards a more comfortable type.

As this 335i is equipped with the optional xDrive, it has again some extra weight and a more "dampened" handling compared to the rear-wheel drive version. However, the F30 comes with different options regarding the suspension. Apart from the standard suspension, BMW also offers a sport suspension (already included in the M-package) but also an Adaptive Drive suspension that allows the driver to adjust the settings of the car manually, thus influencing the handling. So if the standard F30 is too soft for our liking, I would advice to try one of these options to see if the handling is more towards your liking.

3. Interior, multimedia and communication

BMW has chosen to align the 3-series to the 1-series, and the 7-series to the 5-series. This strategy is also extends to the interior of the 3-series, its design is different then the one found in the 5- and 7-series and can be compared more to the one of the 1-series.

What I particular do not like about the interior design of the 3-series is the lack of attention to details, resulting in a failure to give the occupant of the car a true "premium" feeling. One of the most obvious examples is the switch for the car lights on the left, it is a pure plastic button that seems to have been "glued" onto the dashboard instead of being integrated into the design. Integration of the ventilation vents and the center console climate control unit into the interior design is satisfactory, although these elements also do not convey the premium feel one might expect from a BMW. Compared to the 5-series, the latter one has some chrome accenting and a better integrated design, giving the details a better look and more premium feeling.

The 3-series sport steering wheel is one of three steering wheels (the other being the standard and M-sport) available

However, the interior of the 3-series also has its positive sides. The sport steering wheel feels solid and provides a good grip for both hands, including red stitching as a nice detail. BMW has changed the functions of the buttons compared to the previous 3-series E90, the cruise control that used to be operated with a seperate stick behind the steering wheel now can be controlled from the buttons on the left side, while the driver can operate the phone and music from the buttons on the right side.

The "Sport Line" package includes comfortable sport seats

In the center console the buttons are located in a logical way and can be reached easily from the drivers position. There is some storage space that provide for small items and two cupholders (below the small storage unit behind the smoking package), but larger items have to go somewhere else.

Automatic Air Conditioning, dual zone

In the multimedia department we find the navigation-system professional combined with the second generation iDrive-controller that has been intoduced back in late 2008 / early 2009. BMW does not make any distinction between its model-series here, but shares the same system throughout its portfolio. It comes with a large screen that has ample room to share extra information on the right side portion - called the split screen function -, and a simple to operate interface.

Navigation-system Professional

Communication is another major asset of this car, one can connect the phone by the USB-connection of via the Bluetooth-interface. After having connecting your phone once, the car will automatically connect the Bluetooth function each time the device enters the car. From this connection a range of information, including phone numbers and MP3-tracks, can be used through the iDrive-system.

4.Optional Equipment

This section discusses (part of) the optional equipment available on the F01. Ranking from 1 (definitely a yes), 2 (nice to have, but not a minimum requirement) to 3 (not necessary).

Automatic Air Conditioning: two zones, easy operation; ranking 1
Enhanced Bluetooth functionality with USB audio interface: enables smooth connection between phone / MP3 tracks / charging with the car; ranking 1
Cruise control with brake function: comfort feature that goes without saying; ranking 1
Armrest, front with sliding adjustment: extends just enough forward to give the arm a comfortable resting position; ranking 1
Xenon headlights: gives the car a more modern appearance and better lighting, but not absolute necessary; ranking 2
Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation: options functions very well and is used often, so for a relatively small amount of money it provides great value in use; ranking 1
Exterior & rear-view mirrors, auto dimming: options functions very well and is used often, so for a relatively small amount of money it provides great value in use; ranking 1
Adaptive Headlights: minor use, rather save the money; ranking 3
High-beam Assistant: usually I operate the high-beams myself and do not use this function; ranking 3
Comfort Access: nice comfort feature but the normal key is also sufficient; ranking 2
Electric Glass Sunroof: allows more light to come into the car, thus giving a more "spacious" feeling, but comes at a steep price; ranking 2
Electric Front Seats + Driver Memory: after having adjusted the seat one is unlikely to touch the option very often again, so manual operation is also sufficient; ranking 3
Seat heating, front: costs only a small amount, but its use in cold conditions is huge; ranking 1
Navigation-system Professional: expensive option with extra features, but the core function of guiding the driver can also be done by the smaller navigation system business; ranking 2
Head-up Display: nice to play with, but limited value for money; ranking 3
Loudspeaker system - Harman / Kardon surround sound: although the "small" HiFi system also is enough for listening to music, the Harman Kardon system is still a major improvement for a small amount of extra money; ranking 2
Speed limit display: useful feature for keeping track of speed limits in unknown territory; ranking 2
Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear: helps to prevent any minor damage while parking the car; ranking 1

Final thoughts:

BMW tries to combine two concepts within one car which inevitably results in a compromise. On the one hand there is the fun loving straight six engine with 306hp and an awsome sound, but it is fitted into a 3-series that is tuned towards comfort and has the xDrive four-wheel drive system. If the same engine is fitted to a Z4 or 4-series (the new 3-series coupe), it will probably be more fun if you remember what you can expect from this compromise. But still the 335i xDrive combines a good daily driver with a load of "every day" fun, more then with a 6-cylinder diesel engine.

Even with an interior that is less then amazing and has some parts that do not justify a "premium" title, it is still a car that has a satisfactory interior including state-of-the-art multimedia and communication equipment that also is available in the larger BMW-series, which still makes it a good car.

BMW 335i xDrive Sport Line media:

Earlier Guitigefilmpjes' car reviews:

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Car review: Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI Variant Comfortline

Technical Data

Model (Code / Model Year): Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI Variant Comfortline (B7 / 2012)

Engine: OM 642 DE 30 LA / 1390 cm³ / R4 / petrol
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Paintwork + Interior + interior trim + wheels: Black Oak Brown metallic paint + Cloth black "Matera" + Trim iridium printed + 16-inch alloy wheels "Alicante"

Optional Equipment:

Comfortline package:
Chrome front bumper strips / Chrome front bumper strips /
Multifunction steering wheel (3 spoke)
ParkPilot - Parking sensors front and rear
Driver alert system
Radio RCD 310 Radio/MP3 compatible CD player

€665,00 RNS 315 touch-screen navigation
€0,00 Front seats with lumbar adjustment
€0,00 Exterior badge deletion (only engine badge)
€290,00 Tinted glass 65% from B pillar backwards
€0,00 Air conditioning, 'Climatic' semi-automatic control
€0,00 Rain sensor
€0,00 Daytime running lights with coming home function

Performance: 112hp (83kW) / 200nm
0 to 100km/h: 10,3sec
Top speed: 205km/h (128mp/h)
Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 8,5 liter / 100 kilometer (27,67 mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
Price (Germany): €29.960,00

In 1973 Volkswagen introduced its first Passat, while the 6th generation Passat (B7 / type 3C) has been brought to the European market in 2010. Altough the new Passat shares its platform with its predecessor, almost none of the visible parts remained unchanged. Apart from the slightly enlarged wheel base, the drag coefficient has also been reduced.

The estate, called "Variant", represents about 70% of all Passat sales in Germany, while the Passat also is the most popular company car on the German market.

1. Exterior

Volkswagen has initiated congruent design among its several models, and the Passat is not exception. The chrome grille can also be found on other VW models, while the rest of the car is has been styled in a neutral way, in order to attract a broad customer base.

In order to individualize the car, Volkswagen offers the Trendline / Comfortline / Highline package, each sporting a slightly different design. This particular car has been equipped with the Comfortline package, sporting extra chrome strips along the bumpers and windows, 16-inch alloy wheels "Alicante" as well as some extra options.

2. Engine, transmission and handling

In order to reduce CO2-emissions, downsizing has proved to be a very popular strategy among many car manufacturers. Thus Volkswagen has fitted this Passat with a 4-cylinder 1390cm³ petrol turbocharged engine (TSI = Turbocharged Stratified Injection).

During most driving conditions in cities, local roads etc. the engine performance is fine. Only when driving at speeds above 100km/h the acceleration becomes noticably slower. When considering the fuel consumption, it becomes obvious that the engine is optimized to perform well in the lower rev ranges, when the turbocharges has to work in the higher ranges the fuel consumption increases significantly.

Volkswagen offers both a 6-speed manual transmission and 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox on the Passat, while this particular car was fitted with the manual transmission. Shifting the gears is very smooth, yet it feels neutral, as the gearbox lacks the sharpness of a BMW manual gearbox. But just as with the design and gearbox, this handling has the same neutral setup, which is the key to its succes in attracting a large customer base.

Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol engine

3. Interior, multimedia and communication

The interior of the Passat is very bland but its layout is very logical, the driver is able to find and reach to every operation in a logical way. Seats adjustments can be made from the normal point of views, while the seat comfort is sufficient for most journeys.

One of the features that make the Passat stand out is its storage space, not only does it have a very large booth (larger then for example an Audi A4, BMW 3-series or Mercedes Benz C-class), another treat it the easy folding down of the rear seats by utilizing two good accesible handles. There is also ample storage space for the driver. Beneath the center armrest there is a large compartment for big items (wallet, phone etc.), while the cupholders are located in front of the center armrest including some small storage space behind it.

RNS 315 navigation system with a SD-card (blue) on the left.

Another feature that sets the Passat apart from its non-Volkswagen group competitors is the RNS 315 touch-screen navigation system (the RNS 510 system being its larger counterpart). The interface of the RNS 315 system is ok, after a short period of time one is getting used to it and able to find all relevant information in the system. What does bother me is the touch-screen system, when making adjustments while driving it might be hard to hit the right spot, causing some nuisance to the driver. Luckily some operations can also performed by using the multifunction steering wheel, like changing the music track while being in the navigation mode.

Two major operations that are performed in the communication department are is the bluetooth connectivity and being able to play your own music through the cars entertainment system. Bluetooth connectivity is an option on the Passat, and unfortunately it was not checked when this car was ordered.
In order to play music Volkswagen offers several options on the Passat. Using a CD, however that disables the satnav in the way that it is not able to calculate new routes, using an SD-card in the slot next to the satnav (see picture) or use the optional media interface. Unfortunately this car was not equipped with the media interface, hence I used a SD-card to play music, which worked fine.

4.Optional Equipment

Unfortunately this Passat was only equipped with a minimum level of options, most of which have been discussed in the section before. Although it lacked so many options, there only where three which have been missed while driving this car. First there is the cruise control, it is a great option to improve comfort on longer journeys while it also helps to reduce fuel consumption somewhat. Another spot of bother it the bluetooth, as many countries nowadays make hands-free calling mandatory, every car should come equipped with this option.

When travelling with two persons that prefer different climate control settings, a dual zone climate control is a very good feature. Having travelled with two persons with different wishes, it became apperent that the one-zone system has its limitations. But the standard climate control (with one zone) is sufficient when driving alone.

One-zone climate control

Final thoughts:

"Neutral" en "practical" is the best way to describe the Volkswagen Passat. In order to attract market share in this class, these two characteristics are key to its succes. The Passat is not a particularly exciting car, but it is good value for its money. Lots of space, nice options to make a comfortable journey (altough this one missed a few), they all make this a good car.

There is still a small spot of bother, the engine is somewhat too small for what is quite a heavy car. I would rather like a diesel engine that provides a bit more punch (more torques / nM), but is more fuel efficient.

But if you add the missing options (cruise control, dual zone climate control, bluetooth) and combine it with a diesel engine, that will give you the perfect travel companion for every family.

Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI Variant Comfortline media:

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Car review: Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde (W204 Facelift 2012)

Technical Data

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde Facelift (W204 / 2012)

Engine: M 271 DE 18 AL red (4-cylinder / petrol / turbocharged / 1796 cm³)
Transmission: 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission
Paintwork + Interior + interior trim + wheels: Calcite white non-metallic paint + Cloth / Artico artificial leather upholstery black + Trim brushed aluminium + 16-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels

Optional Equipment:

Avantgarde package: Three-louvre radiator grille with central star, Chrome accents, Agility Control sports suspension, B-pillar high-gloss black, Exterior lighting in the rear-view mirrors, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, Lighting package, Trim brushed aluminium, Attention Assist, Avantgarde-badgje below the automatic airconditioning, Multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel with a 11,4cm multi-function display in the instrument panel, Instrument panel with 3 analog instruments with chrome rings and a silver clock face
Automatic package: Automatic Transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS, Cruise control "Speedtronic"
Other optional equipment: 2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic", Front seats heated, Through loading rear seats, Telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility, Comfort Telephone, Becker® MAP PILOT, Parktronic, LED daytime running lights, Audio 20 and 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface including Consumer-Cable Kit (iPod-, USB- and Aux-cable)

Performance: 156hp (115kW) / 250nm
0 to 100km/h: 8,9sec
Top speed: 223km/h (140mp/h)
Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 7,9 liter / 100 kilometer (29,8mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
Price (Germany): €42.078,40
F10 engines driven: C180 BlueEfficiency, C200 CDI, C220 CDI

In 2007 Mercedes Benz launched its new C-class, internally called the `W204`. Assembly of the W204 takes place at a number of production facilities around the world, most notably in Bremen / Sindelfingen in Germany, Toluca Mexico, East Londen in South Africa, but also in Egypt, Brazil and a number of places in Asia. The new C-class completed an extensive test programme that included 24 million test kilometers, making it the most tested Mercedes Benz ever before the sales start (only to be overtaken by the new 2009 E-class that was tested for 36 million kilometers).

After having been a sales succes for a number of years (1.000.000 orders had been reached on August the 2nd 2010), Mercedes Benz released photos and details of the C-class facelift, which was available to the market early 2011. Updates of the C-class facelift included a 7G-tronic PLUS automatic gearbox for the smaller engines, LED daytime running lights and taillights. A major effort was spent to redesign the interior that in order to align its design with that of the E- and S-class.

For a picture comparison between the pre-Facelift and Facelift C-class: Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift comparison.

pre-Facelift C-class

Facelift C-class

1. Exterior

LED-technology is the most notable difference that sets the Facelift C-class apart from its predecessor. Optional LED-daytime running lights and standard LED-technology in the taillights and revised headlight units are among the noticable changes.

If the Avantgarde-package is ordered, as is the case with this particular Mercedes Benz C180, the exterior comes with a three-louvre radiator grille with central star, chrome accents, the B-pillar in high-gloss black, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheel. The Avantgarde-trim gives the C-class a more sporty and modern look, compared to the more conservative standard or Elegance-trim.

White has always been a color of controversy, this C180 has been ordered with Calcite white non-metallic paint. A major advantage of the color is that it comes with no extra charge opposed to the metallic colors and suits the Avantgarde-trim. Downside of the white color is that dirt is easily to spot while the color also may be subject to a lower resale value once its popularity drops. But for what its worth, it certainly is more exciting to look at then the standard black / grey / silver that roam the streets nowadays.

Basic trim

Avantgarde trim

2. Engine, transmission and handling

From late 2009 until April 2012 the C180 was powered by the M 271 DE 18 AL turbocharged 1796 cm³ engine, that has been replaced by the M 274 DE 16 AL turbocharged 1595 cm³ engine, following the current trend of downsizing the engines in order to reduce emissions. Yet this particular C180 was still fitted with the 1796 cm³ engine, which this part is focussing on.

As with many 4-cylinder engines nowadays, cylinders and engine displacement is downgraded but the power is increased by using a turbocharger. This makes up for the lack of torque from a small petrol engine, giving the C180 the boost needed to navigate fast through the traffic in most everyday situations. However, at higher speeds (most notably on the highway) the engines loses some of its spirit and becomes somewhat sluggish. Another drawback of turbocharged engines is that when ones uses the power and the turbocharger runs, the fuel consumption increases exponentially.

Another new feature that has been introduced with the facelift is the new 7G-tronic Plus automatic transmission, that replaces the older 5-speed automatic transmission in the lower end models. The extra gears enable lower revs at normal cruising speeds, thus reducing the fuel consumption more. As with the 6-cylinder models, the 7G-tronic Plus also works perfectly in the C180, probably being one of the best transmissions currently out there.

With the Avantgarde-package, the C-class is fitted with an Agility Control sports suspension.
Agility Control sports suspension. Normally the C-class is more trimmed towards comfort, but the sports suspension makes the ride firmer. However it is not as "aggressive" in its handling like an Audi or BMW.

3. Interior, multimedia and communication

pre-Facelift C-class

Facelift C-class

As can be seen from the pictures above, the interior received a major upgrade in order to align the C-class more with the current design of the E-class and other recent Mercedes Benz models. The screen of the satnav has been integrated in a fixed position in the center dash, while more chrome accents and other buttons had been have been fitted into the center dash. Although plastic materials are still used in the dashboard, it now feels more upscale and modern then the pre-Facelift model. Another nice feature is the new sports steering wheel, apart from the modern impression due to the chrome accents it also feels very nice in your hands.

Another new feature is the Becker® MAP PILOT that has replaced the previous APS 50 navigation system. The hardware of the Becker Map Pilot has been integrated into the car, but altough the navi can be controlled with the cars controlled, yet the software seems to be a standalone system. Controlling this system is less intuitive as controlling the other systems and the interface seems to be somewhat outdated. What I miss is the extra information on traffic jams etc., and the graphics are also quite basic.
On the other hand, the system is a major improvement compared to after-market systems (like a TomTom) that cannot be controlled through the cars controllers, while it does its primary function of navigating to the destination moderately well. Compared to the more expensive COMAND-system this Becker Map Pilot is a good trade-off between quality and price, as it is much cheaper then comparable built-in systems.

APS 50 Navigation System

COMAND Online Navigation System

Becker Map Pilot Navigation System

Other features included the Bluetooth-connection of both the phone and music on the phone, a USB-connection which also can be used to connect a music device, and a MultiMedia-connection that enables the phone to be charged. Compared to other car brands these options perform their job just as well, and they increase the comfort for the driver enough to deem them essential when ordering a in this class.

4.Optional Equipment

This section discusses (part of) the optional equipment available on the F01. Ranking from 1 (definitely a yes), 2 (nice to have, but not a minimum requirement) to 3 (not worth the money).

Avantgarde package: Compromises of both exterior and interior features, giving the standard C-class a significant upgrade for a decent price. Ranking 1
Automatic package: The 7G-tronic Plus is an excellent automatic gearbox, but if its of any use depends up to driver preference. Ranking 2
2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic": Increases comfort if there is a regular second passenger. Ranking 2
Front seats heated: Helps to heat up cold seats rapidly and greatly increases driver comfort for a small price. Ranking 1
Through loading rear seats: Greatly enhances the transportation capability of the car, but if regular use is required the C-class Estate might be a better option. Ranking 2
Telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility: Apart from the fact that hands-free calling is much safer, many countries also impose heavy fines when caught. Using the hands-free facility therefore is a wise move. Ranking 1
Becker® MAP PILOT: If you do not want to pay for the expensive COMAND Navigation System but still require navigation, the Becker Map Pilot is a good trade-off between a basic built-in system for a small price. Ranking 1
Parktronic: Small obstacles are easy to miss, the Parktronic helps to evade minor damages to the car. Ranking 1
LED daytime running lights: Gives the car a more modern appearance, yet might be standard in some countries / equipment levels. Ranking 1
Audio 20 and 6-disc CD changer: If the Media Interface is ordered a 6-disc CD changer becomes obsolete. Ranking 3
Media Interface including Consumer-Cable Kit (iPod-, USB- and Aux-cable): Allows for a range of possibilities to connect different types of music players to the car. Ranking 1

Final thoughts:

One of the main drawbacks of the pre-Facelift C-class was its interior design, it was too overloaded with plastic that did not match the premium feel one might expect from Mercedes Benz. However Mercedes has implemented a change in strategy, also in its slogan "Das beste oder nichts" (the best or nothing), which is reflected in its current generation of cars. Not only has the premium feel of the C-class improved, it also now has a more modern look to it.

This particular C180 Avantgarde has the smallest engine and was not overloaded with options, yet it does not feel as a "starters" car. With the options it does have, it is an excellent trade-off between price and luxury. It still has an acceptable level of luxury and comfort for a car in this class, while it does not cost as much as a fully loaded V6.

The Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde is a good car and certainly worth the money.

Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift media:

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Calcite white:

For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde
For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Basic Black uni:

For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic Palladium Silver Metallic:

For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic
For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic

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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Car review: Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde (W204 Facelift 2012)