Tuesday 31 March 2020

The Automobile And American Life: September 2020

These, along with the 311 CDI SWB Australia Post-approved variant, are new models for 2008 and allow wider Australian pallets to be loaded in the rear of the higher payload vans without the need for after-market modification of the wheel arches. 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. I would like some guide on avoiding the errors encountered. However it is not as "aggressive" in its handling like an Audi or BMW. From late 2009 until April 2012 the C180 was powered by the M 271 DE 18 AL turbocharged 1796 cm³ engine, that has been replaced by the M 274 DE 16 AL turbocharged 1595 cm³ engine, following the current trend of downsizing the engines in order to reduce emissions.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.


White has always been a color of controversy, this C180 has been ordered with Calcite white non-metallic paint. 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. This stretches the Sprinter 45 by exactly 400 mm compared to the more compact model, giving it a length of 7.36 m. Avantgarde package: Compromises of both exterior and interior features, giving the standard C-class a significant upgrade for a decent price. But for what its worth, it certainly is more exciting to look at then the standard black / grey / silver that roam the streets nowadays. Then place the metal plate between… Although plastic materials are still used in the dashboard, it now feels more upscale and modern then the pre-Facelift model. What I miss is the extra information on traffic jams etc., and the graphics are also quite basic. The extra gears enable lower revs at normal cruising speeds, thus reducing the fuel consumption more.


Another drawback of turbocharged engines is that when ones uses the power and the turbocharger runs, the fuel consumption increases exponentially. Front seats heated: Helps to heat up cold seats rapidly and greatly increases driver comfort for a small price. 2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic": Increases comfort if there is a regular second passenger. The driver's seat is certainly comfortable, while the Passenger Van's surrounding windows improve visibility over the Cargo Van, although I found myself relying on the big side mirrors anyway. Dual overhead storage compartments and room beneath the passenger seat round out the storage options. 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. Automatic package: The 7G-tronic Plus is an excellent automatic gearbox, but if its of any use depends up to driver preference.


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. 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. 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. 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. A major advantage of the color is that it comes with no extra charge opposed to the metallic colors and suits the Avantgarde-trim. 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.