Mercedes upgrades C-Class

Mercedes has announced a fuel-efficient new C180 petrol and a policy of AMG for all.

First of all, the engine. The new C180 BlueEfficiency is powered by a new 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine producing 152 bhp and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 rpm and 4,000 rpm. That torque (pulling power) spread is remarkable – the engine produces its maximum figure from barely above idle speed. In the saloon and estate it manages 47.9 mpg and 139 g/km of CO2. A year ago, that would have made it as tax-friendly as a diesel, but 2013 tax regulations have made 130 g/km of CO2 the new tax break-point.