MOTOR RIVALS

Featuring revised styling, enhanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology, new exterior and interior color schemes, an improved driving experience and an upgraded safety specification, the new Lexus IS model range makes its debut. The current, third generation IS marked the beginning of a new era for the model with the introduction of Lexus Hybrid Drive to the range for the first time. Because the original styling of the current Lexus IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car's exterior appearance intact; however, the front of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus' spindle grille.

The reshaped headlamps are more pronounced than before and extend inward, resulting in an eye-catching shape that accentuates the L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front a more powerful road presence. The new grille folds back at a higher point, its top and bottom proportions changing to enhance its sporting look with a visually lower center of gravity, while blending effortlessly into the reshaped hood. The new F SPORT's dark chrome grille features an exclusive 3-dimensional F-mesh pattern that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. The profile of the IS is made sleeker by an enhanced character line that runs down the side of the car, and a choice of 16- 17- and 18-inch wheel designs add to the vehicle's new-found dynamic flair. A 5-twin-spoke, 17-inch wheel with a bright machine finish, and a multi-spoke, 18-inch luxury grade wheel are both new to the model range.

Powertrain

The new Lexus IS model line-up will remain unchanged, with a choice of full hybrid petrol or 2.0 liter turbo powertrains. The full hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, powerful electric motor for smooth and responsive performance, supported by the use of Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing, Lexus' D-4S fuel injection technology and a high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation system. This advanced engineering delivers unprecedentedly low exhaust emissions and fuel economy, with official emissions and fuel consumption figures from just 97 g/km of CO2 and 4.3 l/100 km, strengthening the model's appeal in a market where environmental performance and ownership costs are key customer considerations.

The Lexus IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged unit, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting, 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission developed for the high-performance RC F. This engine features a number of innovative technologies including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW), which allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system. It combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly into the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Power is rated at 245 hp/180 kW at 5,800rpm and torque delivery 350Nm from 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

Chassis

The driving dynamics of the new Lexus IS has been improved through key revisions to the front and rear suspension systems, and the steering. The front double wishbone suspension benefits from a new lower arm assembly forged in aluminum, which offers a 49% increase in rigidity over the steel member it replaces and new No. 1 bush with a 29% increase in rigidity. In combination, these new elements offer a marked improvement in steering response at cruising speeds. The front suspension system further benefits from a new upper support bush, a change to the coil spring rate, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting. The rear multi-link suspension features a new upper arm No. 1 bush and a new stabilizer bar, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting.

The ECU settings of the Electric Power Steering system (EPS) have also been revised. As a result of the comprehensive measures, both standard and F SPORT IS models demonstrate an improvement in ride quality, body control, rear traction and straight line stability, as well as better steering response and feedback.

Technology

Numerous carefully considered enhancements have been incorporated into the new IS's cabin. The size of the multimedia display screen has been increased from 7 inches to 10.25 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus' innovative multimedia system.

An 'Enter' button has been added to the side of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console, making the system easier to use. On the center dash the audio and ventilation-control panel has been refined to fit completely within the knee bolsters, and a new hairline-finish surface provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance.

New stitching on top of the driver's instrument binnacle hood enhances the sporting feel of the IS cockpit, as do the refined speedometer and tachometer. Further enhancements include new cup holders, a new, larger, leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new dial markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

Safety

Committed to offering state-of-the-art technology to a wider audience at an attractive price, the new IS's safety equipment has been upgraded with the adoption of the Lexus Safety System +, a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

Combining a camera and millimeter-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the Lexus Safety System+ features a Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system with a pedestrian detection function, which helps prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and All-speed Adaptive Cruise Control.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid- range class. A host of new assistance systems offer safety of the highest standard, while a new suspension, optionally air-sprung, provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the sedan's luxurious comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the new C-Class feels like an "upgrade to a higher class of travel."

Powertrain

• C300 4MATIC - 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine delivering 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
• C400 4MATIC - 3.0L bi-turbo direct-injection V6 producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
• A rear-wheel drive version of the C300 will be launched in the first quarter of 2015.
• 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Technology

• A centrally positioned free-standing central display with a screen diagonal of 7 inches or 8.4 inches if Multimedia Package with the COMAND Infotainment System is selected.
• Innovative touchpad in the handrest over the Controller provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting - in any language.
• A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. It displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen. The system provides information on vehicle speed, speed limits and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.
• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist - semi-automatic traffic jam assistant which at speeds under 37 mph is able to follow the vehicle ahead even where lane markings are unclear.
• Tunnel detection via satellite navigation - uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel.
• AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrance, air ionization and more efficient filtration than is available on the standard model.
• A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class.
• Frontbass system - acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers.
• Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available.
• Navigation system - features include an animated compass, a "Drive Show" with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on board airplanes and Google Maps displayed on the head unit.
• COMAND offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone or iPad.
• mbrace2 connected car technology - available option to have over twenty Mercedes-Benz Apps integrated into the COMAND system.

Chassis

• Aluminum hybrid body is around 154 lbs lighter than a conventional steel body.
• The vehicle's overall weight is even reduced by around 200 lbs.
• A newly designed 4-link front axle. The front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut.
• An optimized multi-link independent rear suspension with 5-link concept.
• Standard steel suspension.
• Optional sports suspension lowered by .6 inches as part of the optional Sport Package.
• Optional comfort suspension as part of the optional Luxury Package.
• Optional air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles. Electronically controlled, continuous variable damping at the front and rear. Also features all-round self-leveling.
• Standard electric parking brake.
• Standard Electromechanical Direct Steer system - combines road-speed-dependent power assistance from the speed-sensitive power steering system with a steering ratio which varies according to the given steering angle.
• Active Parking Assist - enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces.

Safety

• Standard ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness.
• Adaptive Brake Assist - offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 4 mph
• Standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS - able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 25 mph.
• BAS PLUS Brake Assist System - can detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently
• PRE-SAFE® Brake - can detect stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, brake automatically if the driver fails to react, thus preventing accidents up to 31 mph and mitigating the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 45 mph.
• In flowing traffic the PRE-SAFE® Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 4 to 124 mph.
• Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist - can prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of lane when broken lane markings apply and a risk of a collision arises by applying the brakes on one side.
• Numerous airbags include: pelvis bags for driver and front passenger; a newly developed window bag; side bags for the outer rear seats; a knee bag for the driver.
• The front passenger seat is fitted as standard with automatic child seat recognition. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.