Mercedes-Benz C 180 W202
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Power: 122 hp
Engine Displacement: 1,799 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 4/4
Weight: 1,410 kg
Condition: excellent
Catalog Number: 13
Introduction
In 1982, the Mercedes-Benz 190/190 E from the 201 series created the third family of passenger cars under the E-Class (upper mid-range) and S-Class (luxury) categories. This marked the beginning of a product initiative and subsequently opened a new dimension of motoring for Mercedes-Benz. Since then, the C-Class has continued its successful story marked by innovations across five more generations – model series 202 (1993 to 2000), 203 (2000 to 2007), 204 (2007 to 2014), 205 (2014 to 2021), and 206 (2021 to present).
Development
The team around chief designer Bruno Sacco styled the 190 and 190 E models as straightforward modern sedans. The clear and elegant lines expressed the uncompromising modern concept of the car. In the 201 series, engineers succeeded in transferring Mercedes-Benz’s high standards of safety, comfort, and handling into a more compact segment.
From May 1993, Mercedes-Benz further developed the strengths of the W201 in the 202 series – the first C-Class to truly bear that name. Although the new sedan was barely larger than the original W201, designers and engineers managed to significantly increase interior space as well as improve both passive and active safety. Among other innovations was the introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s first turbo diesel engine with common-rail direct injection (introduced in 1997 in the C 220 CDI).
Technical Specifications
New to the lineup was the offer of four trims: Classic, fresh Esprit, luxurious Elegance, and finally dynamic Sport. The variants differed not only in exterior styling and interior equipment but also technically. The engine range spanned from a two-liter diesel delivering 55 kW to a 142 kW inline six-cylinder gasoline engine. For those wanting more power, shortly after the series launch, the AMG C36 was available with a mighty 206 kW output.
Better value for money and excellent quality from the start made people forget earlier problems faced when launching the larger W124 series. Thanks to the offered comfort, safety typical for larger models, and a classically timeless yet not boring design, the smallest Mercedes quickly became the best-selling model series – until 1998 when the A-Class was introduced and briefly took the lead.
