Summer 2008

Spacious C-Class Estate is Perfect Family Vehicle Ample Room for All in the Roomy C280
Does acquiring extra space in a car mean sacrificing a certain amount of style? Not with the C-Class estate, a vehicle that has the pizzaz of the saloon model but with plenty of room to house all the family ... along with the kids' skateboards, mum's tennis racquets and dad's golf clubs.

Mercedes-Benz engineers figured from the early drawing-board stage that an estate version, with the smooth lines of the C-Class, would prove to be popular among people with the need for extra space. The saloon model, spacious though it is, cannot meet the demands of all users, especially those with a need for a regular full load of people, baggage and equipment.

And that is how the estate evolved, with a distinct style of its own but still instantly recognisable as a member of the elite C-Class. Since its debut, the C-Class has been a huge hit worldwide, praised for its looks, performance, comfort, safety and reliability.

Storage Capacity
The estate model has all those qualities, plus ample extra space. Its total storage capacity amounts to 1,500 litres, plenty of room to pack everything anyone could possibly need for a day out in Hong Kong, whether it is kit for a New Territories horse-riding lesson, a hamper with food and drink for a beach picnic, or a couple of kids' mountain bikes. To make it even easier for loaded trips, the estate comes with handy stowage nets, so everything can be secured solidly and safely.

And on the subject of safety–a subject foremost in the mind of people who have a family of young children–no manufacturer tackles the topic with more care and attention than Mercedes-Benz.

It even has its own carefully thought-out concept known as ProSafe. That system has different phases, all addressing potential–and actual – dangers on the road.

The first part of ProSafe helps the driver to spot critical situations when driving, and take measures to avoid them; the next part involves steps taken before an accident happens, thereby reducing the risk of injury. ProSafe also has a third element, involving passive safety measures, and post-accident safety concepts that can even help the work of emergency services.

Reassuring to Know
All these facts are reassuring to know when setting off in the C-Class estate for a day's outing. No journey is too much of a task for the C-Class; even in the intense summer heat of Hong Kong, with a full load of people and equipment, it can cope without the slightest murmur of complaint.

The estate also allows a wide range of choice when it comes to fixtures, fittings and engines, ensuring that the model is exactly right for the needs of the owner. The C-280 Estate Avantegarde model for example has an awesome range of equipment that includes 7G-tronic automatic transmission, anti-theft alarm, sensitive power steering, windscreen wiper with rain sensor, 17-inch light alloy wheels, metallic paintwork, leather upholstery and black bird's eye maple trim.

All C-class estate models come with the Agility Control Package, which delivers a better driving experience. In simple terms, the suspension adjusts in accordance with the road conditions, allowing a whisper-smooth ride that is free of jarring bumps.

The C-class is also a star when stationary–expect plenty of admiring glances wherever it is parked. Motoring critics raved over the model and the car-appreciating members of the general public are certain to come and closely inspect the slick-looking C-Class body, which stands out from the crowd with its distinctive, three-pronged Mercedes-Benz marque and extra wide-grill.

Choice of Engines
Under the bonnet, there is a choice of engines, all of which give impressive power and torque. New engine management, software and redesigned pistons allow extra zip; those looking for even more nifty performance can order the C-350 that has powerful acceleration across the entire speed range.

All in all, opting for an estate model does not mean the owner has to settle for less. The larger-capacity C-Class was planned, designed and engineered at the same time as its saloon sister, so the driver with a need for more space–and extra capacity–does not have to make sacrifices in any area.