Mercedes-Benz brings cleaner C Class to UK

With "BlueEFFICIENCY" measures

View more images

26 November 2008 11:58 GMT / By Adam Vaughan

Big cars are rarely green, but a new model by Mercedes-Benz shows where carbon savings can be made.

The firm's new C 180 is one of the first in the UK equipped with "BlueEFFICIENCY" measures which boost the car's fuel economy by 11% on the previous model.

With emissions of 149g/km CO2, the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY won't be battling with Toyota and Honda's hybrids for the title of the UK's greenest car, but its emissions are down by 19% on the old C Class. They also mean it falls into a cheaper road tax bracket.

The savings come through cuts to the car's weight, better aerodynamics and improved energy management. Power-steering, for example, is only powered-up when needed. Performance is reportedly on a par with the car's predecessor.

Drivers will be encouraged by a dashboard screen to shift gear for maximum fuel efficiency, while a real-time display shows how many miles per gallon the car is achieving. Tech-heads are catered for with an iPod connection and Bluetooth for handsfree.

The car is on sale now from £23,350.