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Mercedes C220 CDI Blue Efficiency: Test Drive Review

Date: 30 November 2009   |   Author:

Category: Upper medium
P11D price: £27,583
Key rival: BMW 3-series

Mercedes is rapidly gaining ground on Audi and class leader BMW in terms of cutting CO2, and the C-class is the latest to get some attention.

Though it can't match a BMW 320d's 128g/km, the Blue Efficiency C220 CDI's 135g/km does at least put it in the same BIK group. Ditto Audi's comparably powered A4 at 134g/km.

The downside is that while the 320d is in particular a very polished and appealing car, the C-class is let down by its drivetrain. Comparatively unrefined and with a throttle/clutch response that makes smooth gear changes a challenge to execute, it's a real let down, and spoils what is a very attractive car, especially in Sport trim level.

The Sport trim features the AMG bodykit, which beefs up the C-class, making it a very good-looking saloon, while a residual value of 43.8% gives the car a decent 52.2p per mile running cost figure.

On paper, the C-class makes perfect sense, but the driving experience doesn't back that up against top-notch opposition.

Mercedes C220 CDI Blue Efficiency Sport manual
P11D price£27,583
Model price range£22,530-£51,570
Fuel consumption58.9mpg
CO2 (tax) 135g/km (18%)
BIK 20/40% per month£83/£166
Service intervalvariable mls
Insurancegroup 14
Warranty3yrs/unlimited mls
Boot space 475 litres
Engine size/power2143cc/170PS
Top speed/0-62mph143mph/7.6secs
On sale Summer 2009
Score5/10
VerdictGreat on paper but engine
and gearbox combo let
the attractive C-class down


Verdict


Great on paper but engine and gearbox combo let the attractive C-class down
5/10

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