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Week at the wheel: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.

Week at the wheel: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate runs BMW's all conquering 3 Series Touring closer than ever.

   



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| Week at the Wheel | Mercedes-Benz Estate C 220 CDI Sport |

Inside & Out: star star star star star

As is the case with many of the junior execs, the estate version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is actually a more complete design and more aesthetically pleasing than the saloon, meaning that practicality isn't at the expense of style. Our Sport trim test car benefits further from classy alloys and a bolder grille differentiating it from the other models in the range. It's a good-looking car; arguably the best of the bunch.

Given the promise of the exterior the C-Class's inside is a little of an anticlimax and whilst AMG embossed mats may hint at the intent, one might expect a little more support from the seats given the Sport badging, specifically in terms of lateral bolstering. However, the majority of the materials and textures feel appropriately upmarket, while the instrumentation and switchgear are nice to use and easily read. However, the rotary interface met with mixed approval; Audi's MMI and the latest iDrive system in BMWs are both more attractive and intuitive.

Engine & Transmission: star star star star star

Mercedes-Benz's most recent range of engines, specifically in this case the diesel variant, has closed the gap on its main rivals significantly. The 2.1-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, confusingly badged '220', is available in this 168bhp rating and a 204bhp version, badged 250. Mercedes appears to have joined the throngs of manufacturers who have deserted logic when it comes to their badging conventions.

This aside, the engine is a willing and capable power plant with fine manners and an excellent repertoire of tractability and performance. The five-speed automatic transmission (an option) is the most likely of those on offer to be found matched to the engine - even in the Sport model - and it works well, shifting smoothly and timing changes well, aided further by the wheel-mounted paddle shift. Unsurprisingly, the official combined consumption figures for fuel economy were not matched, but an average of 36mpg during our time with it compares well with rivals.

Ride & Handling: star star star star star

Times were when Mercedes would shy away from a sporting persona, excelling instead in the pursuit of relaxation and comfort. With the latest C-Class things have changed somewhat as this is probably the most engaging junior saloon produced with a three-pointed star on the bonnet (excluding anything fettled by AMG obviously). It's genuinely enjoyable to drive with accurate steering, composed handling and firm body control. No, it doesn't quite manage to push the 3 Series for honours, but it's closer than ever before.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: star star star star star

In standard trim the Sport model brings most of the essentials one would expect for the price if not an awful lot more. Certainly competition from lesser marques would offer significantly more in terms of kit. Discounts of 10 percent are readily available online further adding to the value of the package - just go easy on the options. It would be entirely possible to swell our test car's £28,000 list price up towards the £35,000 mark with a few of life's little luxuries.

Overall: star star star star star

BMW's 3 Series has enjoyed an almost untroubled tenure at the top of the junior executive class and was the default choice for the enthusiastic driving and image conscious buyer. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class changes that status quo somewhat offering as it does a genuinely compelling blend of looks, quality and pleasure in terms of driving and travelling in. If push comes to shove the keenest driver would still opt for the BMW, but it would be completely understandable if they were wooed by the C-Class's appeals.

Dave Jenkins - 4 Aug 2009



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2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate specifications: (C 220 CDI Sport)
Price: £28,933 on-the-road (€51,870 in Ireland). Test car's automatic gearbox cost £1,458 - figures for auto.
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Combined economy: 47.1mpg
Emissions: 166g/km
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.



2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 






 

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