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
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Mercedes-Benz C280 1998: Elegance
| Engine Type | V6, 2.8L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 11.5L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $10,780 - $14,740 |