Mercedes C250, the latest petrol offering from Mercedes, is perhaps the most convincing blend of speed and frugalness we?ve seen yet. It?ll hit 100 km/hr in five seconds flat. Yes, there are plenty of other quick sedans out there in this range, but it?s the combination of performance and economy that puts the C250 right at the top of the eco-pack. Even the BMW 325 can?t get close, taking a few tenths longer to hit 100 km per hr. The auto gearbox suits the C250 perfectly well and is extremely comfortable for the driver. The key to the performance is low-end torque, something the C250 possesses in plenty. There?s no need to work the engine hard?just keep it percolating along somewhere between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm and you?ve got plenty of thrust. Thanks to the two different sized turbochargers, the power delivery is linear and smooth all the way to the red line, making the C250 feel more like a big capacity, six-cylinder engine, and giving some genuine reason to explore the outer limits of the rev counter.
Refinement is impressive, generating nothing more than a distant murmur and very little characteristic diesel vibration at motorway speeds. But it?s economy that really sets the C250 apart. Mercedes claims a combined cycle average of 54.3 mpg, thanks to low rolling resistance tyres, underbody cladding, low-drag door mirrors and a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Impressive enough, although we saw an indicated 70.6 mpg showing on the trip computer after a motorway run. What this model purports to say about you is as crucial as anything in this sector and it?s true that Mercedes has gone back to its core values of late and given up trying to be like BMW or, fair to say, anyone else. That?s a good thing too, the C-Class offering a slightly less pushy image than the 3 Series and a choice of luxury oriented Elegance spec or Sport, complete with a more aggressive look with a grille-mounted badge.
The C-Class is a very pleasant car to drive, with a more natural steering feel than the 3 Series and well-judged ride that offers a great balance between body control and comfort. And, what the interior lacks in flair, it more than makes up for in sensible ergonomics, quality, clear controls and user friendliness, a lesson the over-complicated Audi A4 could do well to learn. It?s a sober, sensible car and one that, like many modern Mercedes, grows on you the longer you spend time in it. It?s a car you?ll end up respecting hugely. There?s something pleasingly understated and lacking in pretension in the C-Class. True, it?s a premium product with a flashy badge, but it goes about its business with honesty and integrity.