KEY POINTS:
The previous Mercedes-Benz C-class is often cited as being a bland-looking car. I've always thought it a rather pretty one, with styling that has aged in a commendably graceful way - something that always seems to set the best Benzes apart from the competition.
I don't know whether the new C-class will wear its future years quite as well. The understated elegance of the old car has given way to some pretty aggressive visual cues: sharp BMW-like crease lines along the side, wheels pushed right out to the front of the car and - on our range-topping Avantgarde version - a bold coupe-like design that moves the traditional three-pointed star off the bonnet, upsizes it big-time and plants it in the centre of the grille. Subtle it ain't - especially with the AMG-branded body kit of our test car. It's part of a $6000 package that also includes a sports steering wheel, alloy pedals and upgraded suspension.
You can see why Mercedes has taken this direction, though. In-your-face is the order of the day in this class, if the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series are anything to go by. So, while the longevity of the baby-Benz's styling might be questioned, for the here-and-now it's a stand-out-in-the-crowd executive sedan. It's a little derivative, but still downright sexy.
Making the C-class stand out a lot more was also a priority for the engineers. The old car had deep handling reserves, but the new one aims to add more driver involvement into the equation.
It does so with a steering rack that's 6 per cent more direct and agility control suspension, which automatically increases the damping force during cornering. And it does the business, although you'll still have a much bigger grin on your face (if not a shorter travel time) after a trip in a 3-series. In that context, given the excellent ride quality of other C-class variants, the 15mm-lower suspension of the AMG kit and (extra cost again) 18-inch alloys might also be regarded as a step too far into chassis firmness - although you'd be hard pressed to call it uncomfortable.
Our C280 Avantgarde test car, with its smooth 3.0-litre V6 engine, is currently the most powerful C-class you can buy. The powerplant is fluid and the automatic transmission has seven gears; for the most part it operates seamlessly but, on a trailing throttle, it's still possible to fool the gearbox into thunking down two cogs. The cabin looks suitably sporty, but is still familiar Mercedes: ergonomic excellence with the odd eccentric garnish. The crisp-looking instruments and three-spoke steering wheel make the right impression, although the workings of the trip computer and mass of buttons on the centre console could remain a mystery for years. Great driving position, though, and the view out is expansive due to the slim A-pillars. Our test car didn't have the COMAND screen, a $5000 extra that pops up out of the dash when required and houses the satellite-navigation system. It's well worth having for resale - especially as the sat- nav is provided free with COMAND.
In some respects, the C280 still treads the middle ground. The cabin doesn't reek of luxury-car quality like an Audi A4 and the chassis doesn't slap you in the face with sports-car handling like a BMW 330i. But the Mercedes also ticks a lot of boxes while avoiding the obvious pitfalls of its rivals: it's way more engaging to drive than the Audi and is substantially more spacious and comfortable than the BMW.
All-round excellence is the name of the game with the new C-class. If the idea was to be more accomplished more of the time than the competition, then it's mission accomplished. With a garnish of trendy styling, of course.
Currently, our C280 with the AMG styling kit is top-hun in the C-class line. But by the end of the year you'll be able to indent-order the C350 V6 petrol and C320 CDI V6 diesel and, come 2008, we'll see the genuine AMG-express, the 6.2-litre V8-powered C63.
Clearly, good things are happening to the C-class.
WE LIKE
Outstanding all-rounder, genuine sex appeal, definitely not dull.
WE DON'T LIKE
Some cabin materials feel cheap, 7-speed auto occasionally clunky.
THE FACTS
Basic price: $93,900.
Options fitted: AMG styling and interior package $6000, 18-inch alloy wheels $6000.
Price as tested: $105,900.
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Engine: 2996cc petrol V6.
Power: 170kW at 6000rpm.
Torque: 300Nm at 2500-5000rpm.
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, rear-drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
European Combined fuel consumption: 9.4 litres per 100km.
SAFETY
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP adult occupant crash test rating: 5-star/89 per cent (116i).
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheels and tyres: 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/45 tyres.
Length: 4581mm.
Height: 1447mm.
Width: 2020mm (including mirrors).
Wheelbase: 2760mm.
Fuel tank: 66 litres.
