Mercedes C-Class

• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £22,709 to £29,813
• For : Comfort, excellent refinement, strong engine line-up
• Against : Poor manual, dated cabin, gruff four-cylinder diesels

A major facelift in 2011 has transformed the Mercedes C-Class into a genuine contender for compact executive honours. Available as a sober-suited saloon, practical estate and sleek coupe, the Mercedes has been designed to go head-to-head with the brilliant BMW 3 Series and desirable Audi A4. Buyers get to pick from a wide-range of petrol and diesel engines, while high performance fans can opt for the tyre-smoking, V8 powered C63 AMG range-topper. All versions are well-equipped, with air-con, Bluetooth and alloy wheels featuring throughout the range. BlueEFFICIENCY versions promise fuel sipping economy and tax-busting emissions.

Our pick: 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Edition 125

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mercedes CLS

Styling

As part of its 2011 mid-life refresh, the C-Class has been given sleeker headlamps, revised bumpers and some fashionable LED daytime running lamps. Overall it’s a handsome design, but it lacks the sporty appeal of the BMW 3 Series and sleek lines of the Audi A4. In fact, the restrained C-Class is a more grown-up choice than its rivals, particularly in restrained SE and Avantgarde guises. Owners wanting to make more of an impact should opt for the Sport, which adds a racy bodykit and eye-catching 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.

Interior

Cabin quality has also been improved in the recent update, with owners being treated to classier materials and an even more solid finish. All models get two-zone climate control, Bluetooth and an iPod connection.

Driving and Performance

Mercedes doesn’t have the sporty heritage of BMW and Audi, but the C-Class is still an assured performer from behind the wheel. The turbocharged 1.8-litre 154bhp C180 and 201bhp C250 petrols are smooth and strong, as is the effortless 261bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel used in the C350 CDI. There’s also the C63 AMG, which boasts a mighty 451bhp 6.2-litre V8 and will rocket from 0-60mph in only 4.5 seconds. But for most buyers the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel used in the 134bhp C200 CDI, 168bhp C220 CDI and 201bhp C250CDI will be the most popular choice. It’s a gruff unit when extended, but provides plenty of mid-range punch. The standard six-speed manual is clunky and vague in operation, so you’re better off spending the extra on the excellent seven-speed auto. Slick steering and standard adaptive damping give the Mercedes a fine ride and handling balance, although keen drivers will prefer the sharper BMW 3 Series.

MPG and running costs

Given the popularity of the C-Class as a company car, it’s no surprise to find Mercedes has worked hard to boost the car’s economy and slash CO2 emissions. Best of the bunch is the BlueEFFICIENCY badged C220 CDI. Equipped with stop-start and the six-speed manual gearbox it promises 64.2mpg and a CO2 figure of 117g/km. What’s more, even the rapid C350 CDI will manage nearly 50mpg and emit only 154g/km. As you’d expect, prices are broadly the same as those of a similarly equipped BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. And as with its German rivals, the Mercedes benefits from decent predicted resale values, with most models holding onto around 40 percent of their value after three years. However, Mercedes dealer don't yet have the excellent fixed price servicing deals offered by BMW.

Practicality

The C-Class makes the grade as a sensible family saloon. There’s decent room for occupants front and rear, although the transmission tunnel eats into the legroom of the person sitting in the middle of the back bench. Pop open the tailgate and you’ll discover a generous 475-litre boot that features a number of neat shopping bag hooks. However, you’ll have to fork out extra cash for a split/fold rear seat – it’s standard on the Audi A4. Look elsewhere and you’ll find usefully deep door pockets, a large glovebox and a deep lidded storage box located between the front seats.

Safety and reliability

The Mercedes name has become a byword for safety, so it’s no surprise to find the C-Class leads the way in this category. The raft of standard fit features includes seven airbags, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring. There’s also a driver fatigue sensor that assesses steering inputs and flashes up a warning for you to take a break when you’re tired. There there's the adaptive brake light that flash rapidly to warn other road users when the car is stopping quickly. The quality and engineering of Mercedes models has improved in recent years, so the cars are as reliable as their famously hard-wearing predecessors. However, be aware that expensive servicing costs mean that keeping your C-Class in fine fettle won't be a cheap exercise.