27 April 2001: Two brand-new Mercedes-Benz cars and a revamped one were launched in Ireland yesterday, amid predictions that the total sales of M-B cars in the country will reach 5,800 for 2001.

Probably the most important of the new cars is the C-Class Sports Coupe, built as such from the ground up and selling at less than its saloon sibling - a first in automotive history, says Matt Fagan (right) of the Mercedes-Benz division of Motor Distributors Ltd.

The coupe is shorter and lower than the saloon, but holds four people in excellent comfort. Three specification levels will be available, with engine choices of 2- and 2.3-litre petrol engines and a 2.2-litre common-rail turbodiesel.

Prices for the coupe range from £27,549 to £35,900, that last for the 230 Kompressor which can accelerate from 0-62mph in eight seconds.

Some details of the coupe include a panoramic glass sunroof with an opening one-third larger than a conventional sunroof, and interior aluminium trim elements to add to to the sporty ambience. Options include a Sequentronic 6-speed gearbox and electrically-operated roller blinds for the interior.

The C-Class Estate, which is to be a niche seller in Ireland but which in the UK and Germany is expected to be very popular, going on experience with other estates in the M-B stable, is available in Ireland with three petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol units are 2-litre, 2-litre Kompressor, and 2.4-litre. Diesel options include 2.2- and 2.7-litre engines.

Price range for the estate is £31,652-£42,698.

The A-Class introduced in 1999 has now been revamped with restyled front and rear ends. The front is stronger looking, with a new bumper and grille, while the interior of the car has also benefited visually from modifications to the instruments cluster, the centre console, and a new steering wheel.

A new long-wheel-base version of the A-Class will be available from July. With 7” overall extra length, room in the entry-level Mercedes i substantially extended, rivalling even that in the top-range S-Class.

In all, there are no less than 12 model options for the A-Class when engine and transmission options are added to the three specification levels. There are four power options, the 140, 160 and 190 petrol models and the 170D diesel.

Prices for the A-Class now begin at £16,976 and the LWB version will be £1,000 dearer. Pictured in the LWB below is Bill Duffy, sales manager of the Mercedes-Benz division of Motor Distributors Ltd.