Mercedes C180K BlueEfficiency (2008) CAR review

Mercedes has been a little slow off the mark with its environmental campaign, but hopes it range of new BlueEfficiency cars – spearheaded by the C180K BlueEfficiency on test here – will do for emissions, economy and public perceptions what EfficientDynamics has done for BMW. And there’s no price penalty for opting for the BlueEfficiency model – in fact at £22,585 it’s actually £815 cheaper than the standard C180K model it replaces (although that includes the recent 2.5% VAT cut).

What is this Mercedes BlueEfficiency all about?

BlueEfficiency is the umbrella term Mercedes uses to describe the optimization of aerodynamics, use of lower rolling resistance tyres, lightweight design and energy management to cut fuel consumption and slash emissions.

Rather than roll out a set number of eco-initiatives across its range, each class gets a set of bespoke BlueEfficiency measures that suits it best. So the C180 K gets a thinner windscreen, lighter but more effective noise insulation material, lightweight forged alloy wheels for a 32kg weight reduction, bespoke Michelin tyres with 17% less rolling resistance and a intelligent energy management system.

There's also a number of body tweaks - smaller exterior mirrors, complete with LED arrow-shaped indicator lenses, a smooth underbody, enhanced panel seals, lowered suspension and a partially blanked grille – for slipperier aerodynamics. Oh, and lighter, smaller 1.6-litre engine…

What? A tiny 1.6 lump in that car. It must be slower than a slug…

It’s no tyre-smoker, but if no one told you, you’d never know that there was such a small powerplant under the bonnet. That’s because despite the 200cc drop in capacity, performance - 156bhp at 5200rpm and 170lb ft at 3000rpm – remains unchanged but now with significantly better economy and emission levels. With a useful 170lb ft of torque kicking in at 3000rpm – bang on the nose for powering past middle-lane dawdlers on the motorway – performance is brisker than you’d expect given the engine’s modest size and outputs.

Click 'Next' below to read more of our Mercedes C180K BlueEfficiency first drive