Fuel efficiency
My W204 auto is a 135 kW 1.8l model as opposed to my ex 115 kW 1.8l has C180 manual. To be honest the C200 has more punch but it is overkill in everyday driving (for me at least).
The C180 returned 9l/100km on a tank on my normal commuting cycle and 7.3l/100km at a steady 120km/h on the open road.
The C200 returns 10l/100km on the same commuting cycle and 8.3l/100km at a steady 120km/h on the open road.
In the old days I would have expected auto boxes to be heavier on juice than manual boxes. But my impression from what I read was that the 7-speed box is actually lighter on fuel than a manual six thanks to more optimal shifting. At a steady 120km/h the auto/manual difference should be negated I thought. Seems like I was mistaken.
One would expect a 135kW unit to be less efficient than a 115kW unit. Unfortunately I erroneously thought that the difference would be made up by the move away from the old kompressor technology to the new turbo blue efficiency engines. Seems like I was mistaken again.
Furthermore the manufacturer's consumption figures are clearly just ugly black lies. Even what you read in the renowned Car Magazine (my favourite!) does not match what I experience in real life.
Anybody that can shed more light on this issue?





