Goodbye round headlights ... goodbye MB!

[cawimmer430]

I do see plenty of Sacco-esque details .....but I still do not see many cues taken directly from the W201 ....However, I take your point of view seriously.

I would suggest the headlights are a development of the ones which originated on the W140 CL -- the distinctive feature being their 3D appearance. The C216's headlights are also a development of the ones from the W140 CL.

Again, it's a matter of opinion. When I see the W204, I just can't help but think of the W201 because both cars are so compact and edgy looking. The W202 didn't look like a compact and the W203, despite being a small car didn't really have a compact visual appearance to it. The new W204 on the other hand does, like the W201, and then we have the front design of the W204 which personally reminds me of the W201, especially the Classic/Elegance trims.

Some people see the Volkswagen Phaeton front in the current Lexus LS, some don't.

 

[coolraoul]

For the front, it is pretty obvious. The very dominant grille, the edgy lights prolongating it, the simple air intake. A clean, uncomplicated, adgy front like the W201.

The side: the character line can be found on the 190, and the side is very clean, almost empty, tensed and rigid. Take a W201, put a rising windowline and you have something near the W204. The character line follows the windowline, is cutted by the front wheels because the whole car is now oriented toward the front.

You also have the sharp and dominant hood, with very clear lines coming from the grille, much more accentuated than in W202 or 203, also the very short back end is typical and different from the more elongated W203.

To my eyes, the W204 really is inspired from the W201, the whole shape could have been designed by Sacco himself according to me. Clear, tensed, rigid lines.

 

[coolraoul]

Well guys, have a look at the photos and see.




Don't want to start a massive debate here, but I agree with Christain and Coolraoul

These pics are pretty clear to my eyes.

-We see that both W202 and 203 have a more curved shape, softer lines, whereas W201 and W204 share the same spirit, with cleaner lines.

-The grille dominates the front only in W201 and 204, in the others it is much smaller, and the hood comes on it and mask it a bit...The front of 201 and 204 is also pointing, the grille clearly separated in two, making the car pointing...

-Notice also the exact same rear door shutline, very different from the W202 and 203... The front pillar appears outside of the door, not integrated into it...So you have the exact same door shutlines, making a similar passenger cell...so a very similar-looking side. Furthermore you can see that the mirror is surrounded by black plastic to lighten the design and make a clearer window line...unlike W202 and W203. So also the same window line prolongated till the hood...

-Concerning the rear...well, harder here. But I noticed that the W201 and W204 have a more horizontal rear, thanks to the horizontal lights for the 201, and the shape of the lights, lower and incurved on the side for the 204. Also the boot is very integrated, and the lights are the continuation of the plates and chrome stripe, whereas in W202 and 203 the boot and lights and plates are clearly separated. The lights are the main design element, creating the whole rear structure.

In 201 and 204, everything flows in an horizontal shape.
So both 201 and 204 have a very horizontal-looking rear. Whereas W202 and 203 have only vertical lines.

This is why both look similar to my eyes.

Very interesting thread, I did not notice all these similarities before I looked precisely at these pics to prove my point here!!!

Both W201 and 204 appear shorter, more rigid, more German. The W204 is however tensed toward the front, thanks to rising window line. But they share the same design principles for me.

I really recognize the W201 in the W204, and that from the beginning. And here are some details I saw by looking at these pics.

But everybody does not see the same things and forms in the clouds...

 

[SDNR]

-The grille dominates the front only in W201 and 204,

...and that is where any similarities end as far as I'm concerned.

-Notice also the exact same rear door shutline

Ah ...no

But everybody does not see the same things and forms in the clouds...

Sure ...that is true .....but I am trying to be far more analytical and pragmatic than that here Amaury. It is all very well to talk about "feelings" an "personal perceptions" ....but I am really only interested in clear examples of where then W204 takes styling cues directly from the W201 (apart from its wedge shape).

However, I thank both you and Christian for taking so much time to explain your opinions .....it is most interesting that you both are so certain about this. I have no doubt that you are both being entirely sincere about this ....so thanks once again.