OK, so if it's a Mercedes-Benz, then wouldn't I expect it to be very good anyhow? Well, yes. But cars are generally so good these days that it's often not easy for a premium brand to set itself apart as much as it used to do.
Anyhow, the new M-B C-Class really took my fancy recently. It became one of that relatively short list of cars which I left back with considerable reluctance. The review car was the C220 BlueTec, in Avantgarde trim, and that was always going to make it something special. But the basics of the new generation C-Class are anyhow a significant improvement.
The changes have also made the externals more attractive, providing a roofline and end to the passenger section that's visibly more elegant. The almost coupe cut of the c-pillar is no longer an impediment to rear headroom.
Chrome detailing has been making a recovery across automotive design in recent years, and its use in the new C-Class adds touches of distinction, without going overboard on the glitter. Overall, there's no mistaking a quality product.
It's a fair enough comment that C-Class interiors haven't been inspiring in recent years, especially with the extraordinary gains mass market Korean and European carmakers have been making in the provision of high quality interior design and fittings. The new version has fixed all that, and in every way the ambience in the review car was right up to what it should be for the brand. A clean style to the dashboard design, made with very upgrade materials sets the tone. Echoed in the small elements, switches and knobs with chrome touches that function to quickly locate them as much as make them look well.
Available technologies include apps that give the driver online access to all forms of route planning, guidance, weather and traffic information. A ‘head-up’ display system that can project data directly on to the windscreen is an available option. With tunnels now a common feature, it has a mechanism that closes the air flap to prevent pollutants entering the passenger compartment.
The review car came with the current 7-speed automatic transmission, which is seamless in operation and shifts without any perceived lag. It also had an 'agility' control which offers choices between 'Eco, 'Comfort', and 'Sport' settings, interacting with throttle response and shift points, and also with the steering and suspension settings.
The 170hp 2.2 diesel under the pleasant curve of the bonnet was a joy to have responding to the go pedal, and even in the Eco and Comfort settings offered more than enough surge to satisfy. In normal use it isn't thirsty either, and this most frugal of the engine offerings has a claimed return of 4L/100km or 70mpg equivalent.
Did I have any criticism? Well, a couple of small niggles. The car is low to the ground, and with my height I had to learn how not to bang my head when sliding down and in. Then the little auto shift lever for the transmission is exactly where the wiper lever is in other cars, and a couple of times I inadvertently knocked us out of gear when meaning to turn on the wipers. An actual owner would have no issue, getting used to it quickly.
Finally, there's the matter of price. The new C-Class went on sale from €37,750 for petrol and €37,950 for diesels. The review car with a bunch of extras rolled out at close enough to €48,000, which puts it very much in the competing with its own E-Class sibling. Still, it's how the car feels that will keep a customer happy, providing he or she also reckons on getting value for money.
There's a premium value in a brand, which has to be factored into the perception of value for money. I rather think that there won't be any C-Class customer who will feel short-changed with this one, at whichever level they decide to buy in.
