Mercedes C180 Coupe

I am certainly not the only one in a dilemma and thinking how to get rid of „leasing debt bondage“ in Swiss francs for an already aged premium segment car and adapt to emergency conditions, with a wish that it does not look like a defeat. Of course, in this case the vanity should be placed below the rational thought. You should look well at pricing of vehicles up to 35,000 euros, choose the best leasing offer and the lowest registration cost.

In theory this is a 4.5 m long car with a maximum of 2.0 liters of displacement in the turbo-diesel or petrol supercharged version. The form and purpose of the body depend on age, family status, number of children and the usual baggage.

If I were slightly younger with a family in development, my favorite would be the Citroen DS4. Since I belong to that generation which finished with raising children, I drive more often alone or with one companion on short city trips.

If you go on a journey, then you do it with up to two suitcases in the trunk and under the strict control of the radar. The station wagon character and the powerful machine of the Audi Allroad began to lose all meaning. Reflections on a comfortable, not too expensive coupe become pretty significant. Perhaps by accident or under the influence of auto-suggestion, Mercedes placed itself with the new “modest” coupe right in the center of this automotive thinking.

Attractive picture
However, even quite surprising, the white color and attractive styling make a pretty good combination that causes a lot of attention on the streets. Low set, elongated silhouette gives this small Mercedes an aggressive look with smooth manners. Dominant and oversized Mercedes’ star on the radiator grill only reinforces this impression.

The long, massive and wide open doors allow something I have long forgotten in the Audi – easy and convenient access to the driver’s position. Clenched teeth and expected sciatica pain was only an earned bad reflex caused by the designers from Ingolstadt.

A comfortable driving position and sport-oriented ergonomics are well harmonized. Most importantly, my 190 cm height was comfortably and with no problems nested behind the steering wheel of this relatively small car. Nothing has been left of those stories like “it has a low roof”, “not enough space”, and other similar evaluations.

Of course, if we want to find an objection considering the vehicle’s comfort, then it should be looked for in the rear seats. However, they are independent, perfectly designed and comfortable, but taller passengers would enjoy better with more headroom and legroom. If it’s worth, then it should be noted once again – this is just a coupe, and you should not expect any miracles in terms of comfort of passengers in the rear seats.

The reason why there is no more room in the rear seats should not be looked for long. It is enough to open the trunk and to see above average volume of 450 liters, and a solid surface that can accommodate much more luggage than expected.

Turbo Soul
Before the start, an unconscious fear of small displacement engine dominated. Can these, critically modest 1,796 cubic meters and 250 Nm meet the basic needs of a coupe?

There was no reason for fear. Turbo technology makes its own, and raises power to quite sufficient 154 “ponies” (for normal appetites). I deliberately say “enough”; to be honest, this Mercedes is far from sports characteristics and ambitions. It features excellent driving dynamics, plenty of power for a comfortable ride and safe overtaking, with the inevitable revs when excess power is required.

Statistically speaking, the acceleration to 100 km/h is about 9 seconds, while the top speed is 225 km/h. The CO2 emission is in the range of 157 to 169 g/km. Nothing special, but still the question remains – what to look more from a car?

The situation with the rational and we can say modest powertrain is compensated to perfection by superbly balanced weight distribution, and very dynamic and at the same time comfortable suspension. The steering wheel is of a power progressive type; it is direct as it should be and light while parking the vehicle.

The situation is similar in terms of consumption. With quite “harassment” and driving in all conditions, the average fuel consumption did not exceed 10 liters of unleaded gasoline. With a little “lighter” foot on the throttle (on the border of acceptable performance), it barely exceed the average consumption of 8 liters, thanks to the frugal engine, but also the manual six-speed transmission gear ratios. To be realistic, the gearbox is one of the things on this car that failed to completely satisfy. The clutch is fairly hard and undefined and it is difficult to find the right move to put the gear lever in reverse. It takes adjustment. Of course, the 7G-Tronic automatic would be a much better solution…

Questionable Visibility
It’s hard to pass the test without any objections, and the C Coupe felt it as well. Visibility to the rear is very bad. The high trunk, small side windows and oblique rear window narrowed the view from the car. That is why you need to be cautious and in coordination with the sensors when in the parking lot. If you have enough money for Park Assist, buy it.

Finally, what to say? The Mercedes C-Coupe, however, is a positive surprise. It will give a lot of pleasure, comfort, and prestige to its owner for just 33.290 euros in the basic trim.

If we turn it into a monthly payment, with ten thousand euros participation, you would have to pay 500 euros every month, which is much lower than many people pay for their cars from the luxury class.

Summary
In short – the C Class Coupe is a correct car. It will surprise with the comfort, good suspension, direct steering wheel and driving dynamics.

We expect 1.8 liter turbo engine to be a weak spot, but it has convinced us that it can provide real joy. The car lacks a little more comfort in the rear seats, more agile gear box and visibility when driving in reverse.

Essentially, if we exclude the amount of tin, the new C Coupe will provide everything what we expect from the 33.290 euros premium class vehicle. To be honest, it is impossible to sit in a better car for that amount of money! And dont forget that is a Mercedes…