NORTH SHORE THE second-generation 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-_ Class sedans, intro- -duced this month, remain roughly the same size as before, but significant improve- ments have been made . - in performance, refine- - ment, and safety. : Specifically, the redesigned . 2001 C-Class sedans have all- new aerodynamic styling, nwo newly available V6 engines, a “new standard six-speed manu-, ~-al transmission, a revised sus- pension, new rack and pinion steering, a stiffer body struc- ture, and new head curtain - airbags and duat- -stage front. airbags. . Surprisingly, prices hav q not increased significantly, "except on the Sport mede!s. . Base 2001 C240 Classic mod- * els with an automatic trans- mission start at $38,950, just - $500 more than the 2000 . ‘base model, Top-of-the- line - 2001 C320 models are priced “.. the same as their 2000 C280 — . _Predecessors. . Two new V6 engines - The previous 185-horsepower, 2.3-fiive, supercharged four- . oylinder engine in the 2000 C230 Kompressor has been replaced by a 168-horsepower 2.6-lirre SOHC V6 engine in the new C240 model. (Mercedes-Benz could not give nig a defini- -, tive answer as to why it’s called C240 and nor C260). Though the C240 has less horsepower and torque than the C230 Kompressor, the new V6 engine is considerably quieter and more refined, giving the i impression that this is more than just an ergry-level model. Like: other Mercedes-Benz V6 engines, the 2.6-litre V6 has three valves per cylinder and twin sparkplugs, a design whicii nhances torque and improves emissions.-It alse offers new vari- ble intake manifolds for increased low-end torque. Fuel con- “sumption is reasonably good fora V6 engine: 11.6 litres/100 -km (24 m.p.g,) in the city and 8.2 litres/100 km (34 m.p.g. ) on the highway. - Apart from the.technical benefits of this V6 engine, the pres- ~ tige value of having a standard six-cylinder engine in an “entry- . level” car is considerably greater than that of a four-cylinder --engine, supercharged or not. 2000 model year C280 models, which had a 194- -horsepow- and dual-stage front airbags. Test drive the er, 2.8-litre, V6 engine, have been replaced by the 2061 C320 * sedan which offers a 215-horsepower, 3.2-litre, V6 powerplant and a standard five-speed automatic transmission. New six-speed manual transmission : For the first time, the C-Class is available with a manual transmission, a new six-speed manual (borrowed from the SLK sports car). It’s now standard on C240 models but is not avail- able on C320 models. Thé manual transmission adds a sportier deriving feel to C240 models, and allows Mercedes-Benz to cora- pete with civals BMW and Audi, which offer standard manual cransmissions. All C-Class cars are available with a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift (a manual mode for clutchless manual shifting). In automatic made, this transmission automat- ically adapts shift points to a driver's driving style and road con- ditions, and includes a Winter mode (second gear start) for dri- ving on slippery roads. ‘ Revised suspension, steeriug Though it retains a four-wheel independence multi-link sus- pension, the C-Class front suspension has been redesigned to provide better wheel control and damping in addition to improved impact absorption in a crash. At the rear, minor modi- Friday, Gctober 13, 2000 - North Shore News - 39 NEWS AUTOMOTIVE GUID NEWS photo Paut McGrath : THE redesigned 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Ciass sedans have all-new aerodynamic styling, two newly available V6 engines, 2 new standard | 6-speed manual ‘ransmission, a revised su Eciass 30 new rack and pinion steering, a stiffer body structure, and new head curtain airbags -Class sedans at Mercedes-Benz of Canada, 1375 Marine Dr., North Vancouver... * fications have improv ed handling predictability at higher speeds. Foe thase who want sportier handling, an optional Sport package includes higher rate springs and shocks, larger stabilizer. hars, aad larger 225/50R-16 inch performance radialson unigue five-spoke alloy wheels. ‘A new rack and pinion steering system replaces the previous recirculating bail system. This provides quicker, mere responsive: : stecring and a more driver-oriented feel, New, larger brake com": ponents have resulted in a 15% improvement in braking force. Improved safety “ Even base C-Class models have an impressive amount of - standard safety features. New this year are head curtain airbags which protect both front and rear passengers 3 in a side impact or rollover. Also standard are front and rear side airbags and new dual-stage front airbags which deploy with less force in lower speed collisions. Five three-point seatbelts and five adjustable head restraints are standard. Both front and rear seatbelts are height adjustable and have force limiters, Rear head restraints fold down whea not in use SO as Not fo restrict Vision to the rear. Ail C-Class models have the BabySmart child seat recogni- ' See Anti-stud page 40 ‘Good t things come fo to those who don't Wall The 2001 Acura CL Tape S prie ved at SAO OOO ALS RP ~ @BURRARD ACURA 2999 Burrard St, \ aid ebelisers SOO. % faves suet ineclivbedd, Tuicouver 730-8890 Designed with puryose. Driven by passion. ACURA