Mercedes C-Class - Pictures

Selective dampers are standard on the C-Class. This Sport model has lower suspension, but it still has the best ride here. You can also opt for Advanced Agility Control, which lets you choose between sport or comfort modes.

The cabin is ergonomically well laid out. A display on the speedo shows sat-nav, audio, trip and phone info, and can be operated using the wheel controls. Items in the cup-holders can be knocked when changing gear, though.

The Mercedes has the biggest boot here. It carries a spare wheel, but is 15 litres up on the run-flat-equipped BMW. Folding rear seats are a £225 option, and the boot can be opened via an external handle, the key or a cabin switc

Carried over from the old car, the C220’s diesel has more than 90 modified components. Power has risen by 20bhp and torque is up 18 per cent to 400Nm. It offers smooth yet punchy performance, and is refined on the move.

It’s expensive, but the £1,995 COMAND cabin control system is excellent. It includes sat-nav, voice control, 4GB music hard drive and a six-disc CD changer. Cars without the option still get a screen which displays audio in