Style: March 02, 2018

STYLE | motoring 75
same as what was reading in the E400 – a
car that I evaluated recently and used much
the same engine, albeit with lower power
outputs.
On the move, the C43 constantly feels
feisty, it has solid response to throttle
request and there are preset drive modes,
or individual settings, which the operator
can use to suit each journey. I preferred
mostly sport and comfort as they gave me
all the performance I needed, but there is
a sport-plus setting I can only describe as a
manic mode – the engine constantly flighty,
singing to high revolutions without much
provocation.
Even in the more gentle settings the
engine is vibrant. It emits quite a shrill howl
when working hard and there’s a bark
out the exhaust pipes I just enthuse over.
There’s even a button that will encourage
more exhaust noise on both up or down
shifts; it sounds much like a cannon firing.
That aside, the C43 is not all about sound
or speed; it is the classy, prestige car that will
satisfy at all speeds. It has technology and
specification that will appeal to those who
like sporty fitment and a level of comfort
akin to premium brands. The interior
detailing is simply beautiful and you feel so
right at home with the layout and, of course,
there’s plenty of depth to the electronic
functions.
I took the test car west on the road to
Lake Coleridge village. I didn’t go the entire
way, making a U-turn past Terrace Downs.
On those roads I can report that the C43
is a touring car of true genius and a sports
car with few equals. Of course, I’m a bit of
a rear-wheel-drive junkie and the C43 has
beautiful balance and poise.
I can’t help but feel that it is better
balanced than the C63 – not that it is any
slouch either – but with a little less weight
up front the C43 feels nimble and agile. It
steers with much precision and has delightful
feel through the steering. Grip is supplied
by huge, sport specification Dunlop tyres
(225/40 and 255/35 x 19in), they have
prodigious grip and you don’t get the feel
that oversteer from the rear would develop,
while firmish suspension prevents wheel
movement lifting from the road surface.
At just 1.4m tall, the coupe sits low,
thereby gravitational force over the
suspension isn’t excessive.
The C43 thrills at every point. I’m a
self-confessed V8 nut but I particularly like
the V6’s honesty, and, being realistic, it is a
worthy performance car, one that will cost
you a whole pile less – in standard form the
C43 sits at $120,900, a $52,000 saving over
its stablemate.
THE SPECS
PRICE: Mercedes-Benz
C43 coupe, $120,900
DIMENSIONS: Length,
4750mm; width,
1870mm; height,
1403mm
CONFIGURATION:
V6, rear-wheel-drive,
2996cc, 270kW, 520Nm,
nine-speed automatic
PERFORMANCE:
0-100km/h, 4.9sec
Fuel usage – 8.2l/100km
now on Moorhouse Ave
WE’VE MOVED
For the first time striking design,
seamless connectivity, intuitive driving
and exceptional safety have come
together perfectly in a bold new SUV
To explore the many features and
experience it for yourself at
Christchurch Mitsubishi on
03 379 0588 to book a test drive.
392 Morrhouse Ave, Christchurch www.christchurchmitsubishi.co.nz
Sales, Service, Parts & Finance: 03 379 0588
*Price listed is for Eclipse Cross 2WD XLS. Eclipse Cross 2WD VRX pictured. Brilliant Red colour pictured available for an additional $500.
Price excludes On Road Costs - which includes WoF, Registration and a full tank of fuel. See www.mmnz.co.nz for Diamond Advantage terms and conditions.