Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pre Model 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 4dr Car Review - March 2012

One of the best things about the driving experience is that the suspension is soft enough to iron out bumps and potholes on the road, making for a very comfortable ride. The steering is very responsive and the amount of body roll is minimal when cornering. The driving position is also quite good, with plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driver's seat, and there is good visibility both to the front and rear.

Another positive aspect of the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is the good engine performance delivered by the 2.2 litre diesel engine, with the automatic gearbox supplementing this rather than hindering it. The acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in a speedy 8.1 seconds, and with a top speed of 143mph it is more than capable of dealing with the vast majority of journeys in comfort.

Much like many other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the grille is a very distinctive part of the car, and the famous badge is mounted at the front of the bonnet in the classic style. However, the air intake below the grille is much more subtle than some of the bolder cars from Mercedes-Benz, and the styling is much more subdued, creating a professional and understated look. Inside the car, the leather seats add to the feeling and image of luxury that is delivered, and the simple screen for the entertainment system is a particular highlight.

The inclusion of alloy wheels as standard with the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is only to be expected, and the CD stereo system is also a very good one. The leather effect upholstery is a welcome addition to the interior of the car, and there are also features such as cruise control and climate control which are very good additions. Touches such as the power folding mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity are also welcome.

When it comes to practicality, the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto's size makes it voluminous on the inside, with comfortable accommodation for those in the front and back of the car, along with a large boot space which does make it a practical car. Mercedes-Benz has an excellent reputation for making reliable cars, and the C-Class should add to that reputation.

In terms of safety, the C-Class has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test, largely because of the range of airbags and driver aids which help to make this a very safe car.

The biggest sticking point for potential buyers when they are considering a C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto will be the list price of £31,280.

However, there are plus points in terms of the expense of owning this C-Class, and the fuel efficiency of 58.0mpg is certainly one of the highlights. The insurance premiums will be quite high because of the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto's group 34 insurance, but the car is likely to hold its value well. The car is supplied with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.