TODAY 6 FEB Exclusive Mercedes-Benz News

...availability by more than 25% and we are struggling to get more vehicles out of the plant. It’s a frustrating position to be in. We knew when we launched the S204 C-Class Estate that our First Choice strategy was just as relevant to the Estate buyer as the sedan buyer but to be honest we did not expect a five fold increase in sales over its predecessor the S203 C-Class Estate. It does not matter whether it’s the C200 Kompressor, the C220CDI, the just released C200CGI and C250CGI direct injection turbo petrol Estates or even the bahnstorming C63 Estate, the S204 Estate is blitzing its opposition by selling up a storm. The model breakdown up until March was 35% being the Diesel C 220 CDI, 5% being the niche C63 Estate, 55% the C200 Kompressor and 5% to the just released C 200 CGI and C 250 CGI.

We expect the mix to settle down to 40% diesel , 5% C63 AMG and the balance to be the new CGI direct injection turbo’s” von Sanden said.

The new C 200 CGI Sedan has the same Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) as the outgoing C 200 KOMPRESSOR; but, compared to the outgoing C 200 KOMPRESSOR, the new C 200 CGI gains the following equipment as standard.

- 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

- Avantgarde-style grille and bonnet badge

- Double cup holders

- Split-folding rear seats (1/3 : 2/3)

Combined, these additional features amount to more than $3,000. And given the car’s price remains the same, it clearly represents great value for Australian customers.

The C 250 CGI uses the same fuel-efficient turbocharged direct-petrol-injection engine as the C 200 CGI but its more powerful tune offers higher performance.

This all-new model is also more efficient than the outgoing C 200 KOMPRESSOR – almost four percent more fuel efficient with around five percent lower CO2 output – yet with eleven percent more power and an impressive 24 percent more torque.

The all-new C 250 CGI comes fitted with the following standard features:COMAND APS (entertainment and navigation system) with single-disc CD/DVD player

- 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

- Split-folding rear seats (1/3 : 2/3)

- Avantgarde model line

- Double cup holders