Mercedes-AMG C43 is a surprise performance gem

The new Mercedes-AMG C43 has a 2.0l four-cylinder engine to the dismay of AMG loyalists, replacing the twin-turbo 3.0l V6 of the previous C43.

However, despite its smaller size and fewer cylinders the new motor produces 13kW more and 20Nm less than the preceding model, which developed 287kW and 520Nm. The new model is a tenth of a second quicker to 100km/h than the old car with a fruitier sounding motor, and fewer ecological technologies integrated

A specific AMG front apron and grille, air intakes, a boot-lip spoiler and a round quartet of tailpipes at the rear give the C43 a sportier make up than regular C-Class cousins. The model on test was fitted with optional 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloys costing R36,000 extra, as is the Opalite white bright paint for R26,000.

Inside it’s the usual Mercedes-Benz razzle dazzle provided by leather, turbine-style air nozzles, brightly coloured backgrounds and a flat-bottomed multifunction AMG Performance steering wheel with digital function buttons, and haptic feedback toggle switches.

It's all suave and new age looking in the cabin that fits four, with a 455l boot that's unlocked from the key fob, but it has no power-lift lid. The MBUX infotainment system and the various ambient light representations display themes are flashy. Comfortable, electric and supportive sports seats are standard fitment but you can opt for the better-bolstered AMG Performance bucket seats for R78,000.

Under the bonnet of the C43 is the M139 2.0l four-cylinder motor from the Mercedes-AMG A45. It produces 300kW and 500Nm and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 48V mild-hybrid system that acts as both a starter motor and a power storage facility. Under low engine load conditions, and in Reduced mode (Eco mode in AMG speak), the system assists the motor and on descents the transmission decouples from the engine, all in the name of boosting fuel economy.

The C43 averaged 9.2l/100km during the test period, virtually matching the OEM claims of 9.1l/100km. Understandably, driving on track the highly-strung motor gobbled up to 18l/100km. The starter-motor also helps performance by injecting 10kW extra when you bury the throttle.

Along with a new electric turbo that lessens lag, the sprint from 0-100km/h arrived in 4.6 seconds, matching Mercedes-AMG claims. It pulls strongly towards a 250km/h top speed.

Configure the AMG Dynamics modes to stiffen the dampers, sharpen transmission and motor responses then point it at a series of bends, and the C43 uses the standard all-wheel drive system and greater suspension kinematics to feel an altogether more satisfying performance than the previous generation car, though it doesn’t sound off as spectacularly.

The car wafts in typical Benz fashion, while the optional adaptive cruise control and its driving  autonomy features, including lane-keep assist form part of sweeteners for effortless daily usage, ditto the optional head-up display. The brakes are strong with good pedal feel, and the four-wheel steering results in a shortened turning circle, but there are foibles.

The complex tango between the C43 engine, mild-hybrid system and transmission is a bit disorientated at low speeds. It results in slight hesitation on take off. Another niggle is the faux carbon fibre décor surrounding the dashboard, which creaks when touched. The fact the car costs up to R300,000 more to buy than a peer Audi and BMW, and still requires the raiding of the options catalogue to bolster luxury could make the R1,673,641 standard price a bit too pricey for some.

For similar money you could be enticed by larger sedans such as the BMW 550i xDrive, Audi S6 quattro or its electric Mercedes-Benz EQE350+ cousin. Despite the premium and build quality concerns, I can't deny the C43 has blossomed into a lively performance machine with attractive styling, luxury and innovation-led performance. I like it very much.

Tech Specs 

ENGINE 

Type: Four-cylinder turbo 

Capacity: 2.0l 

Power: 300kW+10kW

Torque: 500Nm 

TRANSMISSION 

Type: Nine-speed automatic 

DRIVETRAIN 

Type: All-wheel drive 

PERFORMANCE  

Top speed: 250km/h 

0-100km/h: 4.6 seconds (claimed), 4.6 seconds (as tested) 

Fuel Consumption: 9.1l/100km (claimed); 9.3l/100km (as tested) 

Emissions: 206g/km 

STANDARD FEATURES 

Parking assist camera, electric windows, keyless entry, infotainment system, climate control, ABS brakes, stability control, six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, leather upholstery, tyre pressure monitor, LED headlights, all-wheel steering, driving modes, park distance control front and rear, reversing camera, park assist, tyre pressure sensor/monitor, partial suede-cloth + artificial leather upholstery, sports seats

Warranty: Two years/unlimited distance 

Maintenance plan: Five years/100,000km 

Price: R1,673,641

Lease*: R37,113 per month 

* at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit 

Mercedes-AMG C43 

WE LIKE: Styling, innovation, engine, consumption 

WE DISLIKE: Bogging down, quality issues, cost 

VERDICT: A new era of performance motoring 

MOTOR NEWS star rating 

Design * * * * *

Performance * * * * * 

Economy * * * * * 

Safety * * * * * 

Value For Money * * * * 

Overall * * * * *

Competition 

BMW M340i xDrive, 285kW/500Nm — R1,363,207

Audi S5 TFSI Sportback quattro, 260kW/500Nm — R1,219,300