Mercedes-Benz C200 2014 Review

No wonder Benz is doing so well in this country and elsewhere with new models like the latest C-Class in its stable. Looking like a scaled-down S-Class, the new C gets a whole swag of flow down driver assist and luxury technology from more prestigious Benz models and is in fact larger than ever blurring the lines between C, E and S-Class cars.

Do you really need that E-Class? Probably not now. We drove the entry level C200 BlueEfficiency last week and it won us over completely as a car you could happily own for the next few years at least, probably longer.

PRICE

It costs just on $61 grand but offers plenty in terms of performance, luxury, safety and technology to say nothing of the stand-out styling inside and out.

Some people reckon it's a bit "blingy" outside but we like the bright work. Bland is bad. The interior is in a modern, functional idiom dominated by the sporty wheel, stylish dash and large tablet style info/control screen. A supplementary large dial controller resides on the centre console between the front seats. Like Volvo, the C-Class has a hypoallergenic interior that will help allergy sufferers no end.

KIT

Our drive car came with 18-inch alloys, the seven speed auto transmission with paddle shift, Garmin Map Pilot satnav, comprehensive digital connectivity including Bluetooth phone and audio (syncs automatically as soon as you get in), three mode ambient lighting, electric park brake, keyless start, active park assist and Agility Select with five modes. That's in addition to all the normal accoutrements you'd expect in a C-Class like climate control, cruise, leather and so forth.

Safety (five star) kit is generous and includes driver assist features like Collision Prevention Assist +, Blind Spot Assist and a reversing camera. More is available.

ENGINE

Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder with turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. It's rated at 135kW/300Nm but belies these relatively conservative figures when you get it on the road.

Eco stop/start helps the C200 achieve 6.0-litres/100km on premium unleaded despite tipping the scales at 1465kg. The C-Class scores an EU6 emissions rating. Benz used aluminium extensively in the new C-Class and it's just as well judging by its weight.

Feels lively on the road though and rides beautifully regardless of which mode you've chosen on Agility Select.

RIDE

This is helped by a new suspension system with four links a side at the front and a multi-link rear. Nothing is deflected or influenced by anything that happens to other wheels. The 7-Gtronic transmission is an impressive unit offering snappy smooth changes up and down the range. 

Drive is to the rear wheels - remember. It's a five seater sedan with a decent size boot and plenty of room in the cabin.

ON THE ROAD

Our driving experience was all good. The car offers strong acceleration across a wide range despite having modest outputs. It' can smooth the roughest road and back up like a sporty sedan if required. Minimal noise intrudes into the cabin and the C200 is an engaging and satisfying vehicle in all driving applications.