Mercedes C-Class Lite: Geneva report

At evo we like light, efficient cars because they're cleverer and more fun to drive. This fits conveniently with the carmakers' need to save fuel and reduce CO2 production. Add brainpower and everyone benefits. So it was good to see the Mercedes-Benz C-class BlueEfficiency, blue having become the new green as far as fuel-saving is concerned (think VW Polo BlueMotion, for example). Depending on the model, up to 32kg has been shaved by using a thinner windscreen, lightweight forged wheel, lighter soundproofing and other tricks, while the tyres have a 17 per cent lower rolling resistance without sacrificing grip. A fully-enclosed underside reduces aerodynamic drag, the front grille is partially blanked off, the sealing between bonnet, heradlights and body is improved and the ride height is 15mm lower, all resulting in a Cd of just 0.25. There's a longer-legged final drive ratio, too. Drive a C200 CDI version and you'll be in a car rated at 135g/km for CO2 and a 55.4mpg combined fuel consumption. Not bad for a torquey diesel able to hit 60mph in 10 seconds.