carimmohelp: Mercedes-Benz C-Class to grow

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Date

January 14, 2013 – 4:08PM

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Toby Hagon

National Motoring Editor

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The arrival of the new CLA is set to make Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level sedan bigger.

Spy-shots: Mercedes C-class

In an era of downsizing and a shift towards smaller models Mercedes-Benz's biggest selling model is set to grow in size to give it breathing space to the new CLA baby sedan that the brand admits will cannibalise sales.

The all-new C-Class sedan and wagon due in 2014 are set to respond to the just unveiled CLA with bigger body.

While the low-slung roof of the so-called four-door "coupe" is CLA sits 43mm lower than that of the C-Class the CLA is 40mm longer and 7mm wider – and it will be positioned below the C-Class and priced about 10 per cent below its $58,600 starting price.

"Wait until we bring the new C-Class," said Mercedes-Benz's executive vice president of sales and marketing Joachim Schmidt, hinting that the next C-Class will be bigger in response.

"Be aware that we are knowing the sizes of our cars … so we make the right decisions. "

Despite the imminent expansion, Schmidt was adamant the C-Class – which competes with the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS – will retain its fun-driving nature that is seen as a key attribute that has helped boost its sales.

"It will certainly have the agility," he said.

And despite an acceptance of once-ignored front-wheel-drive in its range – including on the just-revealed, youth-focussed CLA baby sedan that will sit underneath the C-Class – Mercedes-Benz has vowed to stick to its roots and long standing traditions with established versions of future models.

That means more traditional rear-drive layouts on core models, including the brand's best selling model, the C-Class.

"Of course we will stay with rear-drive for the C-Class cars," said Mercedes-Benz chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche. "This is the right drivetrain to have."

Mercedes-Benz also confirmed the next generation C-Class would have V6 power, although there was no such confirmation on whether it would have a V8. The next C is also expected to follow the lead of other models in adopting hybrid propulsion.

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