It’s been known that ‘downsizing’ is the trend of modern motoring. Engines have been downsized (with forced-induction added) and to a certain extent, the actual physical size of cars has been downsized as well – all in the name of better fuel-efficiency and improved CO2 emissions. But believe it or not, the next motoring item set to join the downsizing bandwagon is the fuel tank. As reported, the new Mercedes C-Class will have a fuel tank of a supermini as part of its weight saving process.
Part of the 75 kg shelved on the new W205 Mercedes C-Class over its predecessor is attributed to the smaller and lighter 41-litre fuel tank. This is a perfect example of how car manufacturers are using every possible engineering and legislative tweak to reduce the CO2 ratings of their new models. Mercedes has claimed that shrinking its standard 60-litre fuel tank with one from well, a Perodua Myvi, will shave 12kg off the official kerb weigh.
A Mercedes spokesman said: “We have reduced the fuel tank capacity of the new C-Class roughly in line with the fuel savings it offers over its predecessor. For those customers who place a priority on range, we offer an optional 66-litre tank. “The reduction in weight of the new C-Class has led to a significant improvement in payload capacity. This is up by 50kg and is now 90kg higher than the competition.”
However, the smaller fuel tank size is currently offered in Germany, as in the UK the standard 66-litre fuel tank was instead offered as standard. The 66-litre fuel tank will be in the options list in Germany, where buyers can opt for it for an additional €59.50.
[Source: Autocar UK]
