The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is now available to order, priced from £36,200 OTR. First UK deliveries will arrive in September.

• Prices start at £36,200 OTR for petrol-powered C 200
• Aircap, Airscarf and Memory Package come as standard
• Choice of two trim lines and diesel and petrol engines – plus high-performance Mercedes-AMG models
• Electrically-operated fabric roof offered in four colours

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is now available to order, priced from £36,200 OTR. First UK deliveries will arrive in September.The C-Class Cabriolet comes in two trim lines, Sport and AMG Line, and with a choice of six engines. The range starts with the C 200 which has a 2.0-litre (184 hp) petrol engine and delivers 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle. 

It is available with either a six-speed manual or 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. The C 300 features the same 2.0-litre engine with a higher output of 245 hp, and offers up to 42.2 mpg on the combined cycle. It is available only with the 9G-TRONIC gearbox.

The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 367 hp. It can sprint from standstill to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The C 43 comes with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, with an adapted shift programme.

Two diesel engines are available: the 170 hp C 220 d (available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive), with a six-speed manual (rear-drive only) or 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox; and the C 250 d, which produces 204 hp and comes with a 9G-TRONIC gearbox.

There is a choice of four colours for the electrically-operated multi-layer acoustic soft-top (which can be raised or lowered up to 31 mph): black; dark blue; dark red; and dark brown. Each is available as a no-cost option.

Two model lines are available: Sport and AMG Line. Standard equipment includes Airscarf; Aircap; Memory Package; reversing camera; keyless start and entry (auto only); Garmin Map Pilot navigation system; Mirror Package; heated seats; Active Parking Assist; Agility Control comfort suspension; LED headlights; ambient lighting (auto only); DAB radio; and sports seats in Artico leather.

The Sport model comes with a gloss black interior trim with brushed aluminium, 17-inch alloy wheels and a diamond grille with black-painted pins.

For a £1,495 price increase over Sport, AMG Line includes black ash wood trim with brushed aluminium; an AMG sports steering wheel with flat bottom; brushed steel sports pedals and a black roof lining. The exterior features an AMG bodystyling kit; 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; a diamond grille with chrome pins and 15mm lowered sports suspension.

The Mercedes-AMG C 43 adds the following as standard: 18-inch alloys with five-spoke design; AMG performance exhaust system; brake pads with ‘AMG’ lettering; Artico and Dinamica upholstery; black mirror housings; and ‘BITURBO 4MATIC’ lettering on the front wings.

Premium Plus package is available as an option on the the C-Class Cabriolet for £1,395. This includes the COMAND Online infotainment system and Burmester surround sound system (consisting of 13 speakers).

The Driving Assistance Package (£1,695) – only available in conjuction with automatic transmissions – includes: active blind spot assist; active lane-keeping assist; Distronic Plus with steering assist; BAS Plus with crosswind assist; Pre-safe Plus; and Pre-safe Brake with pedestrian detection.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet costs £65,685. With a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine and AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic gearbox, the C 63 produces 476 hp and 650 Nm, and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. The £72,245 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S produces 510 hp and 700 Nm, with zero to 62 mph taking 4.1 seconds.

Standard equipment on the C 63 Cabriolet includes: AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather; Nappa leather upholstery; AMG performance exhaust system; spoiler lip (in vehicle colour); and ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering on the wings. The C 63 S adds: AMG performance seats (£1,405 option on C 63); AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather and Dinamica; 19-inch alloys; an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential.

For £1,295, the optional Premium Package features: Intelligent Light System with adaptive highbeam assist; Burmester surround sound; and Artico dashboard (with Nappa leather look).

As with the C-Class Coupé, a limited-edition C63 S Edition 1 is available from launch. It features unique details including diamond-stitched nappa leather upholstery in black and brown; matt carbon fibre interior trim; bespoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and is available for £78,295.

After the Mercedes C-Class Cabrio, comes the AMG C43 version, the same car, just totally wild....

Open for maximum driving pleasure

Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the first open-top member of the still young C-Class family in the shape of the new C43 Cabriolet. Just like the C43 Coupe, the all-season Cabriolet features a combination of a 362 hp 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine, fast-acting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The open-air enjoyment for four people is backed by the brand's hallmark Driving Performance thanks to discrete suspension with stiffer elastokinematics unique to AMG and three-stage adjustable damping.

Mercedes-AMG is bringing two models from the C-Class performance family to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the C43 Coupe, the sports car and performance brand based in Affalterbach is now also showcasing the C43 Cabriolet. 

The AMG product portfolio will continue to grow rapidly this year, making the world of Driving Performance more diverse than ever.Our new product line continues to expand at a fast pace and, with the C43 Cabriolet, we are offering a younger target group yet another alternative to discover the fascinating world of AMG," says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine provides impressive performance with 362 hp and peak torque of 384 lb-ft, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The agile driving experience is mainly thanks to the standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, newly developed front axle, stiff elastokinematics and highly precise steering.

Key data

	Mercedes-AMG C 43 Cabriolet
Engine	3.0-liter V6 Biturbo
Displacement	2996 cc
Output	362 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Peak torque	384 lb-ft. @ 2000-4200 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph	4.7 s
Top speed	155 mph*

*Electronically limited

The highlights

• 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine with modified engine control unit for increased boost and high-revving ability
• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with double-declutching function when shifting down and exhilaratingly short response times in "Sport Plus" mode
• AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle)
• AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive variable damping in three stages; mode can be selected via button, adopted from Mercedes-AMG C63
• AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch for dynamic, individually-selectable driving experience with five drive modes and AMG-specific tuning
• Three-stage ESP® Electronic Stability Program
• Front axle with newly developed steering knuckles and load-bearing joints on the spring link. Elastokinematic adjustments to the links have been adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C63
• Rear axle with elastokinematics tailored to higher driving dynamics
• Large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 14.2”, and with a diameter of 12.6” at the rear
• AMG styling with distinctive front and rear bumper as well as special tailpipes
• Diamond radiator grill with chrome-plated pins and louvers in high-gloss black
• 18" AMG light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design, painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish
• AMG instrument cluster with checkered flag design with 180 mph scale and AMG main menu
• Multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with deep embossing in grip area, flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching
• Upholstery in MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber in black with sport seat upholstery layout and red topstitching
• Fully automatic all-season fabric soft top offering outstanding climate comfort and an exceptionally low noise level, which can be opened or closed in just 20 seconds when driving at a speed of up to 31 mph

AMG-specific: the 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine

The C43’s 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine has seen several technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed AMG engineers to increase the engine's power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to AMG levels. With 362 hp and 384 lb-ft, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. 

The NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is also used in the Formula One engines of the MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS team. Especially tough and wear-resistant, this coating reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminum insert in the engine cover.

Short shift times, high efficiency: 9G-TRONIC

The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the Mercedes-AMG C43. Thanks to the model-specific software application, AMG developers managed to substantially reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The ability to downshift multiple gears at once allows for even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts in the "Eco" and "Comfort" modes.

"Manual" mode can be enabled by pressing a button on the center console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gears using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches redline.

With automatic adjustable damping: the sport suspension

Equipped as standard with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive three-stage adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet has all the right ingredients to deliver outstanding driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort on long journeys. The front axle has been provided with stiffer steering knuckles, improved elastokinematics and increased negative camber. In combination with the likewise newly developed wishbone guide bearings, this design results in significantly more agile cornering plus more precise and direct suspension feedback from the road. The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system's three suspension modes "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport Plus" using a button on the center console to fully customize the driving impression.

Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Eco," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport Plus" and "Individual," the driver can tailor the characteristics of the C43 Cabriolet to further individualize the vehicle at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. These modes modify several key parameters, including the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode; when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 37 and 99 mph, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level and driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering

The speed-sensitive sport steering assists the agile cornering of the new C43 Cabriolet. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The servo assistance can be varied with the "Comfort" or "Sport" settings. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalized in "Individual" mode.

Muscular with an emphasis on width: the exterior design

The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet is likewise sporty in appearance, making it instantly recognizable as a member of the AMG family. Characteristic features include distinctive AMG styling as well as specific light-alloy wheels, underscoring the brand's progressive nature and performance. The engine cover has a red aluminum insert that accentuates the strengths of the six-cylinder Biturbo engine.

Exterior AMG styling includes the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear bumper with matte iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grill features chrome-plated pins, louvers in high-gloss black and AMG lettering. A silver-chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to various cooling modules.

Additional highlights include black exterior mirror housings as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with a center divider. Further striking features come courtesy of the new "BITURBO – 4MATIC" lettering on the front fenders and the "AMG" (left) and "C43" (right) lettering on the trunk lid.

AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually. Size 225/45 R 18 tires on 7.5 x 18 light-alloy wheels are fitted at the front, while the rear axle comes with 245/40 R 18 tires on 8.5 x 18 wheels. 19" light-alloy wheels in various designs are optionally available for even greater individualization.

Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design

The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a spirited driving style, the multifunction sport steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching.

The driver finds a secure and comfortable seating position even at speed thanks to improved lateral support provided by sport seats. The MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with MB-Tex create a sporty ambience. The man-made leather is also used on the upper edges of the body, the armrests, the door center panels and the center console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights. The aluminum trim pieces with light-tone longitudinal grain embedded in the instrument panel and the doors provide effective contrasts.

The AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimized for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 4.5-inch multifunction color display, RACETIMER and 180 mph scale in checkered-flag design.

Suitability for everyday use is additionally enhanced by intelligent comfort functions such as optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating, operation of the fabric soft top while driving (up to 31 mph, initiated below 3 mph) and optional automatic closing of the boot separator.

Exclusive options include the fully automatic fabric acoustic soft top, which is available in black, dark blue, brown or dark red. The multi-layered structure incorporating various insulation materials effectively reduces ambient noise and thus reduces the interior noise level.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet launches in the fall.

Vauxhall to have a range of all new products on display at this years Geneva Motor Show.

• Purebread GT Concept reveals vision of future sports car
• New Mokka X showcases muscular exterior and elegant interior
• Astra success continues with new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall will unveil its GT Concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, revealing a vision for the future sports car. There will also be a world premiere of the all-new Mokka X alongside the Astra range, including Sports Tourer, five-door hatchback models and a new BiTurbo engine.

As usual the show, which opens its doors to the public from 3^rd to 13^th March, begins with two press days. Opel Group CEO, Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann and his team are inviting all journalists to the Vauxhall/Opel press conference on 1^st March at 11:00 CET on stand 2231 in hall number 2 of the Palexpo.

GT Concept

Purebred, pared down, yet unashamedly avant-garde, the GT Concept is even shorn of door handles and door mirrors, its breathtaking form clothing a classic front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that will appeal to driving enthusiasts.

While the GT Concept is forward-thinking, encapsulating Brit designer Mark Adams’ philosophy of ‘Sculptural Artistry meets Technical Precision’, its name mirrors that of the 1964 GT Concept, the first styling model to be produced by the nascent Vauxhall Design & Engineering Centre in Luton which opened the same year.

But importantly, it pays homage to two significant motor show cars: the 1966 Vauxhall XVR and the 1965 Opel Experimental GT, the first true concept vehicles to appear from the design houses of a European manufacturer. The 2016 GT Concept is also a logical step on from the innovative and beautiful Monza concept from 2013.

‘We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of both the Vauxhall and Opel brands,’ said Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe. ‘It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations, which is our great tradition that we intend to continue. This coupe impressively demonstrates the continuous development of our design philosophy.’ 

A key innovation of the GT Concept is its large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. The doors cleverly open into the front arches, using a space-saving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas.

Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car.

Mokka X

Vauxhall’s new Mokka X, which reaches UK showrooms late this year, debuts at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with a fresh interior and exterior design, a new powertrain and featuring OnStar and Apple CarPlay.

With over half a million sold in Europe and nearly 100,000 in the UK, Mokka has seen huge success since its launch in 2012. The Mokka’s compact size (4.28m long), sporty looks and elevated seating position having wowed customers looking for an affordable SUV.

Incorporating cues from Vauxhall’s new design philosophy, the new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

The Mokka X’s bold new look is thanks to work carried out by a design team led by Brit Mark Adams. Its new front treatment is aligned with Vauxhall’s new design philosophy including a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. At the rear is another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. Vibrant new colours such as ‘Amber Orange’ and ‘Lava Red’ will also be available. On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the new Astra.

After introducing the much-lauded 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine last year, the Mokka range is now extended further to include a new generation 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the Astra. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, this Mokka achieves 42.8mpg* and CO₂ emissions of 154g/km*.

In addition to the AWD system, Vauxhall engineers have once again made innovative technology available to a broad group of customers by introducing LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps. The new AFL LED system adapts the headlights’ lighting patterns automatically to the driving situation so that the best possible light performance is given without dazzling other road users.

ASTRA RANGE

Following its world premiere at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Sports Tourer will be on display at Geneva Motor Show in the same month it goes on sale in the UK, priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

Like its five-door hatch sibling, the Sports Tourer is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture with a new design, powertrains and technology. The Sports Tourer is built at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant in Cheshire.

The Sports Tourer further extends the dynamic lines of the five-door. It has the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model yet offers much more space for passengers and luggage. The Sports Tourer’s total cargo capacity is now 1,630 litres, thanks to more efficient packaging.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 on-the-road. The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 on-the-road) that achieves 83.1mpg and CO₂ emissions of 89g/km.

Technology includes OnStar, Vauxhall’s ground-breaking connectivity system, and IntelliLink infotainment system which allows users to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And for the first time on a Vauxhall, the tailgate can be opened using a small kicking motion under the rear bumper, in combination with “Keyless Entry and Start”. A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate.

Also on display will be five-door hatch range, which is in UK showrooms now and an all-new turbocharged diesel engine. In combination with start/stop and six-speed manual transmission, the 1.6-litre BiTurbo CDTi in the Astra hatchback body style achieves 67.3mpg combined and 112g/km. Performance is not compromised with a top speed of 137mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds.

*preliminary data