Third round finalist: There is something about the three-pointed star that exudes prestige. Something to be aspired to.
That is not to say that Mercedes doesn't get it wrong occasionally - its dalliance with R-Class, is one example - but such is not the case with the new C-Class.
This may be the Mercedes version of the “people's car” but this time around it has not shirked at all.
The styling is sharp, the 3.0-litre 170kW V6 is both strong and smooth and the seven-speed auto appears eminently happy to be associated with it. The C-Class, in its Avantgarde guise, is stylishly fitted out with superb seats and a seriously rich feel to the general trim.
Ride comfort is excellent, the suspension is compliant and offers a good balance between highway cruising and backroad bruising.
Steering feel - for a Mercedes - is quite good with a nice progressive weighting.
Snapshot
MERCEDES-BENZ C280
Price: $84,974
Engine: 3.0L/V6, 170kW/300Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Economy: 9.6L/100km
For all the latest on the carsguide Car Of The Year each week go to www.carsguide.com.au/caroftheyear
Cheap tyres 
Credit crunch 
Ford Fiesta 
Hyundai ix35
