Double debut at Auto Sales

There was a double debut at Auto Sales this month as the local Mercedes and Renault agent launched the new E-Class and Scénic.

The long awaited Mercedes E-Class is finally available to Maltese customers; with more than 20 new or further technical developments, this saloon further consolidates the leading position of the marque in the luxury class.

Apart from the engines, the 'Blue Efficiency' package for the E-Class is in large part responsible for considerable fuel savings: it betters the already good Cd figure of the preceding model by another four per cent, which represents a fuel saving of around 0.25 litres per 100 kilometres when driving at a motorway speed of 130 km/h.

The new model now features completely newly developed four-cylinder engines: including the 250 CDI with 150 kW/204 hp. It uses around 23 per cent less fuel at only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption). This corresponds to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Petrol engines include the E 200 CGI and E 250 CGI, equipped with the newly developed four-cylinder direct-injection engine with a displacement of 1.8 litres, turbocharging and variable intake and exhaust camshafts.

The E 200 CGI (135 kW/184 hp) is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and the ECO start/stop function as standard, and consumes only 6.8 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. This equates to 159 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

V6 and V8-models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel selector lever as standard. The new saloon not only provides Mercedes customers with a choice of 10 engines and three suspension variants, but also two design and equipment lines, 12 wheel/tyre combinations, 12 exterior paint finishes and six different seat upholstery materials in up to five colour combinations to suit their individual preferences.

Standard specifications include 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke design, eucalyptus or embossed aluminium trim (optional) and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel lined in fine nappa leather with chrome inserts.

The individualisation programme for the E-Class is based on two design and equipment lines: Elegance and Avantgarde. In addition, the AMG sports package and the Exclusive package offer more scope for equipping the new E-Class to personal taste. Prices start from €52,860.

The Scénic has long been a favourite compact MPV across Europe, with total sales reaching 3.3 million since its launch in 1996. The new model builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of the model's first two generations to deliver even more cabin space and greater comfort for all occupants, as well as handling performance comparable with that of a saloon.

It now has an even roomier cabin and a compact design, featuring taut lines, sportier front-end looks, a plunging roofline and striking rear lights. The principal driver aids, such as parking brake assist, and cruise control/speed limiter switch are all housed on the centre console.

There is extensive stowage of 86 litres throughout the cabin: four underfloor compartments, four under-seat drawers, six map pockets, two aviation-style tables, an 11-litre glovebox and nine litres of stowage in the sliding centre console.

The boot volume is up 10 per cent, equivalent to an additional cabin bag.

The new Scénic is available with a 1.6 16V petrol engine and the reknowned 1.5Dci diesel engine. Prices start from €18,990.