C-level rising
CAR|December 2021
We travel to Mercedes-Benz South Africa headquarters for an exclusive first drive of the stunning new, locally built C-Class
Gareth Dean GarethD_CARmag
C-level rising
ETA: DECEMBERMERCEDES-BENZ C300D

Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel + 48V mild hybrid Transmission: 9-speed automatic Power: 195 kW@ 3 800 r/min Torque: 550 N.m@ 1 800 r/min 0-100 km/h: 5,70 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel consumption: 5,00 L/100 km* CO2: 132 g/km Rivals: Audi A4, 3 Series, Lexus IS

When Mercedes-Benz South Africa invited us for an exclusive first drive on local soil of the W206 C-Class at its East London plant, it would be the latest instalment in a history of quality cars produced locally for a discerning global market. The facility opened in 1950, with marques as diverse as Nash, Packard, Fiat and Auto Union rolling out of the factory door. In 1958, Mercedes’ W120, W105 and W180 models joined them. The first W202 C-Class rolled off the line in 1994, setting in motion a legacy of C-Class production that has spanned close to three decades – the W203 to W205 would follow – and see the facility grow in both stature and reputation. It won JD Power quality awards for six years in a row and truly cemented its status as a world-class production hub.

In 2018, the plant was earmarked as a major contributor in the manufacture of the W206 C-Class and received investment to the tune of R13 billion.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2021 من CAR.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2021 من CAR.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من CAR مشاهدة الكل
Toyota Fortuner
CAR South Africa

Toyota Fortuner

Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.

time-read
4 mins  |
CAR July 2024
MIND THE HURDLE
CAR South Africa

MIND THE HURDLE

With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish

time-read
2 mins  |
CAR July 2024
KING OF KILLARNEY
CAR South Africa

KING OF KILLARNEY

For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....

time-read
6 mins  |
CAR July 2024
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
CAR South Africa

Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs

As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available

time-read
6 mins  |
CAR July 2024
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
CAR South Africa

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT

Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment

time-read
3 mins  |
CAR July 2024
Super C
CAR South Africa

Super C

The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.

time-read
4 mins  |
CAR July 2024
Bentley's Brutes
CAR South Africa

Bentley's Brutes

A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S

time-read
3 mins  |
CAR July 2024
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
CAR South Africa

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...

time-read
3 mins  |
CAR July 2024
BAND OF BROTHERS
CAR South Africa

BAND OF BROTHERS

Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.

time-read
7 mins  |
CAR July 2024
TWELVE OF THE BEST
CAR South Africa

TWELVE OF THE BEST

Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT

time-read
2 mins  |
CAR July 2024