Merc stunner in class of its own
Last updated 15:17, Thursday, 04 December 2008
I FIND all mainstream Mercedes-Benz models to be commendable products; strong on prestige with the feel-good factor, good value, fine quality and driving satisfaction.
Obviously the more you pay, the more you get, but even the entry version of the C-Class saloon is quite a luxury offering. The CDI Sport with AMG trimmings I have been driving proved to be a stunner.
There is certainly a lot of presence with the latest generation C-Class. The body has grown in stature to render it a full-blown executive class car. It can accommodate at least five adults in a very high degree of comfort and still contain almost unbeatable boot capacity.
I think the choice of brilliant (calcite) white paintwork is a wise one. It shows off the car’s very distinctive styling to good effect, though obviously it attracts road grime and attention from the local bird life. But it still comes in for a lot of praise from owners of other rival products.
Mercedes-Benz has never settled for convention. On this car there was its usual foot-operated parking brake. I find this acceptable with an automatic transmission model, though I have heard adverse comments when it is used in conjunction with the alternative six-speed manual transmission and a hill-hold device. So newcomers to this car, may have a bit of a learning curve to follow.
That said, the important attribute is the driving character that is a legendary blend of excellent ride quality, precise handling, balanced road grip and a standard of braking so good that it is soon taken for granted.
Add to that a comfortable, almost cosseted, driving position that is so relaxing and imparts a good feel to the driver, uniquely Mercedes Benz, and the best ever at this model level.
Mercedes-Benz has long been associated with diesel powered cars. Not for it any image problems and it makes perfect sense in today's economic climate, for diesel fuelled options to be offered alongside a range of primarily potent, petrol units.
The car I tested was the middle version of the three diesel units, with a capacity of 2.2 litres and a power output of a healthy 168 bhp achieved at a laid back 3,800 rpm.
There is the usual bit of engine rattle on start-up. The engine soon settles into its job of providing a smooth performance, reaching 60 mph from rest in just over eight seconds and a claimed top speed of 141 mph.
As a motorway mileage eater this is a superb form of transport, particularly as it is possible to achieve well over 40 mpg under touring conditions.
Around town the C-Class is a tidy car, sized about right, docile in traffic, and easy to park thanks to a good range of driver vision. Audible, visual front/rear sensors are a £605 extra option.
There’s no doubting the engineering expertise involved in creating this latest C-Class. The power unit is certainly up there with the best, the suspension and running gear strong on pedigree, and the interior finish and appointments that of a car of real substance. Leather upholstery is a £1,295 optional extra.
Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, cooled front compartment and lots of supplementary appliances.
All of this adds up to a comprehensive and competitive package that can be augmented by an extensive menu of options to create that bespoke car of your choice.
While car prices are currently fragile, the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand, allied to the logical qualities of the C-Class range with this efficient diesel power, should still prove an attractive proposition for any discerning motorist.
