Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.8-litre petrol engine produces 154bhp and 184lb-ft of torque. The car can do 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 140mph. The engine performs well and delivers its power smoothly.

The steering is well weighted and the brake and throttle pedals are very smooth, making the C-Class Coupe nice to drive. The body control is very good and the car feels very well balanced thanks to its rear-wheel-drive chassis. The ride is very comfy, with Britain’s potholed roads and motorways barely being felt.

Looks wise it is a good rival to the Audi A5 and BMW. The car is 41mm lower than its predecessor giving it an extra sporty look, and it is a look that Mercedes believe will appeal to the younger car buyer.

The interior is well designed and superbly finished. The three spoke steering wheel adds a touch of sportiness to the car and the chrome central strip and the instrument binnacle extend over the centrally mounted sat-nav and information screen. The seats are supremely comfortable, providing fantastic support and making even longer journies comfortable.

Standard equipment includes AMG floor mats, AMG 3-spoke sports steering wheel with nappa leather trim, chrome gear shift lever, climate control, Coupé-specific sports seats, door pockets, door sill panels with stainless steel inlays, electric windows, obstruction sensors, front centre armrest with storage compartment, front cup holder, front seats with electrical height and backrest adjustment, split folding rear seats, service indicator ASSYST Plus, stainless steel sports pedals, steering column with adjustable height and reach, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, radio with 6 disc cd changer, MP3 connectivity, 8 speakers and telephone keypad, and Bluetooth.

Head and leg room is at a premium in the back and taller passengers are going to find it uncomfortable. Actually getting in to the rear seats in the first place is tricky. There are 450 litres of boot space which is 5 litres less than the A5, but 10 litres more than the 3 Series Coupe.

Mercedes has a reputation for building reliable cars and the C-Class Coupe should be no exception.

The C-Class Coupe scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and features ABS, ESP and driver, passenger, knee, pelvis and side airbags. Blind spot, lane assist and speed limit assist technology is also available.

This is the entry level C-Class Coupe at £30,720 but you do get quite a lot of car for your money.

This model has a combined fuel economy of 38.7mpg which is not particularly impressive by today's standards. CO2 emissions of 169g/km put the C-Class into road tax band H. This car falls into insurance group 34-46. Resale values are expected to be very strong.