Mercedes-Benz celebrates G-Class' 30th Anniversary with Two Special Edition Models

Thirty years have passed since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class began in 1979 and the German automaker decided to celebrate the event with the introduction of two special edition models called the EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR. Based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon, the EDITION30 is more of a premium edition of the ever-lasting G-Class and is distinguished on the outside by a designo platinum black paint finish, specially designed light-alloy wheels and EDITION30 lettering on the wings.,

Inside, this special edition G 500 comes with designo leather in the color "chablis" and designo trim in anthracite poplar wood.

The EDITION30.PUR which is based on the diesel-powered, long-wheelbase G280 CDi, pays homage to the first-generation G-Model and has been optimized for off-road usage. With the optional "Off-road package 1" or "Off-road package 2", the G EDITION30.PUR can be equipped with all-terrain tires in size 265/75 R 16 on, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the optional roofrack, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door.

In the interior, the EDITION30.PUR features four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wooden floor, load lashing lugs and rails, as well as an auxiliary heater and manually operated air conditioning complete the package.

The two special models are available from Merc's dealers priced from €59,381 for the "EDITION30.PUR" and from €97,461 for the "EDITION30".

2010 Mazda3 Priced from $15,045 in the States

Despite the fact that the all-new 2010 Mazda3 comes with many new features, the Japanese firm has kept prices at the same levels with the outgoing model. The entry-level Mazda3 Sedan with a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter engine mated to a manual transmission, starts at $15,045 or a mere $355 more than its predecessor. The 2.0-liter Mazda3 i Touring Sedan with automatic transmission, which is expected to remain the most popular model in the range, will be priced at $18,350 and includes standard features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Bluetooth wireless mobile phone and audio capability and hands-free operation.

Starting at $19,540 for the 4-door and $20,030 for the Mazda3 5-door, the 167HP 2.5-liter Mazda3 S Sport with automatic transmission adds 17-inch alloy wheels and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen that conveys MP3 and i-Pod program information, trip data including fuel economy, plus various maintenance and alert messages.

For those that are not satisfied by the standard equipment, the S models are offered with a Technology package that costs $1,195 and includes keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with six months of free service and a perimeter alarm.

Buyers can also opt for the 'Audio Package that includes a Moonroof and a BOSE audio system with a six CD changer for $1,395.