Mercedes C320 CDI: 10,800 miles

By David Johns

January 2009

Minutes after the picture above was taken, the track was filled with the buzz of mini racing machines. Fortunately, my long-term Mercedes C-Class was safely out of the way behind the barriers.

Just as well for the would-be Lewis Hamiltons at least, as the black and menacing C320 would have blown them into the weeds! The Mercedes is an unlikely track star, because sitting under its bonnet is a diesel engine. A V6 diesel to be precise. And that makes it fast. Deceptively fast.

To make the point, we had descended on Lakeside Karting’s circuit, which is next door to the giant shopping centre in Thurrock, Essex.

Lakeside Karting normally entertains groups of corporate racers or guys out on their stag dos. So plonking a C-Class on the start-finish line raised more than a few eyebrows with the orange-suited safety marshals. Little did they know that this Merc has an added dash of vitamin C to give it some real get-up-and-go!

For the record, our figures are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph. But the key stat is torque of 510Nm at 1,600rpm, which gives the car a real whoosh of acceleration. I’ve covered nearly 11,000 miles so I’m used to this sudden surge of urge, but it has been known to catch unsuspecting members of staff out.

Boosting the performance credentials is the Sport pack fitted to our long-termer, which lowers the suspension and adds a meaty-looking grille, bodykit and AMG alloys. Interior trim includes brushed alloy inserts and AMG branded floor mats. With all of this racy kit, the plain-looking steering wheel seems strangely out of place! My other grumbles also centre on the cabin, where there are barely enough pockets and trays to store more than a pair of sunglasses and a couple of CDs. And in time-honoured Merc style, the indicators and wipers all operate (awkwardly!) from one column stalk, and the handbrake is foot-operated.

But the C320’s plus points far outweigh the minuses. Even fuel economy in the mid-30s is impressive for a car with this kind of power. As an avowed Audi-lover, this Merc has almost converted me!

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