What is it?
Probably the most interesting version of Mercedes’ recently refreshed junior saloon — even if it’s unlikely to be the one that will top sales charts.
The first fourth-generation C-Class to receive the EQ Boost mild hybrid engine, the C200 mates a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot (down from two litres in the outgoing car) with a 48V electrical system.
Belt-driven pumps, compressors and generators have been swapped for electric ones in the name of fuel economy, letting the engine disengage completely when coasting in Eco mode.
But beyond eradicating parasitic power losses, this double-duty set-up also brings a performance benefit. By using the auxiliary compressor to prime the turbocharger, it temporarily boosts engine output by 21bhp and delivers a hefty 184lb ft of instant torque.
The combination delivers, according to Mercedes, the performance of the old 2.0-litre engine, without the fuel consumption to match.
Having driven a C200 in Germany earlier this year, this was our first opportunity to test one on UK roads and find out how AMG Line’s sports suspension, which sits 15mm lower than entry-level SE trim, copes with less pristine Tarmac.
Join the debate
xxxx
Most important switch
Is the one that turns off the stop-start. It's annoying enough operating when you stopped, now it does it when you lift off the throttle. IMO of course
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
FMS
xxxx=zzzz
Most important switch...the inaccessible one that would, if flicked, bring you to a complete halt...do you even know where it is?. TWIT
xxxx - just can't respect the call to shut up.
Aussierob
IMHO
Switching the stop/start system off shouldn’t be possible. Do you want to turn off the other emission reduction systems off as well? I often walk along a road heavily congested with stationary cars waiting at lights etc. and I for one want all their engines OFF! And if I lived at the side of that road, as many do, I’d be even keener.
Why on earth is there a switch? Doesn’t make sense - you can be sure the stop/start was enabled when the emissions and fuel economy were tested. Why should they be allowed to deteriorate?
Robbo
Aussie Rob - a view from down under
xxxx
ans:
No, because it's not possible, not necessary and has a use. S/S has penalties: more weight, bigger battery, more complicated, more expensive, more software, more to go wrong. It's dupious whether it's actually more environmental as well, especially when the car is getting on a bit
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
FMS
dupious?
Define "dupious".
The key used incorrectly is nowhere near the key that should have been used.
"more environmental"...the "e" word has been given no context...what do you mean by the use of this word in that jumble of words that you cobbled together?. TWIT
Aussierob
You’re welcome to your opinion xxxx
Just not your facts.
Stop start has negligible weight (less than 200gm all up, mainly wiring) does NOT need a larger battery and why do you think it doesn’t reduce emissions, especially CO2 - do you think manufacturers fit it for fun, or to get lower numbers? And of all the emission equipment fitted, this one has the greatest real world effect because it lasts the life of the car, not just for the first few years!
Aussie Rob - a view from down under
xxxx
More than opinion
Not quite sure what you are saying. I said the battery is heavier, you said I'm wrong, then say the battery is heavier? Lasts the life of the car, batteries don't usually last around 15 years, and a stop start battery is alot more expensive.
As to the rest of my facts, it is more complicated, more software, more likely to go wrong etc.
Also, I was kind as I didn't mention the uprated heavier and more expensive generator and starter motor used in S/S systems.
At the end of the day my opinion is there's better ways to save the environment than S/S
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
FMS
The ongoing issue is...
that although xxxx (zzzz) has cobbled together what can (very) loosely be described an opinion, sharing it with the rest of us, is not so welcome. xxxx never lets any facts get in the way of one finger (mis)typing, hoping one day, using the law of averages, to strike a sensible note...please, no-one hold their breath. Perhaps xxxx in using this form of address would find it very hard to dispute my replacing each x with the following suggested letters... T W I T.
Aussierob
The reason it doesn’t need a larger battery
Is that if the voltage drops, stop/start is automatically disabled. And, in any case, won’t work again until a calibrated period has elapsed, to enable battery recharging to be complete.
Aussie Rob - a view from down under
Aussierob
Nope
The battery is not heavier. There will be some extra wiring, that’s why I allowed a few hundred grams. Negligible.
Nope, a stop/start battery is not more expensive because it’s the same battery, as I tried to make clear.
And software doesn’t go wrong! That’s hardware. Software, once installed, lasts eternity. Unless someone fiddles with it in an amateur attempt to bypass emission control equipment.
Aussie Rob - a view from down under
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