With AMG bits all over the place, this thing comes dressed to take on the all-stars.
Are you into basketball? No? Well anyway, think of it like Steve Nash: it's the size of a fifth grader but it comes with a free-throw stronger than Larry Bird's. And since you've no idea who those people are, all you need to know is that the new Mercedes-Benz C200 is really quite good.
First of all, I have a confession to make: I've not driven the ‘old' C-Class, nor a comparable BMW 3 Series, so I'm actually quite unqualified to tell you which is better here. But I do know one thing — the ‘new' C-Class is excellent, and here's my case for it.
I use those ironic quotation marks because, of course, this isn't an entirely new car. It's a facelift (as well as a rump-lift), but it's so comprehensive it might as well result in an all-new car.
It now has a high-resolution colour display in the middle of a totally new dashboard. Mercedes says the fuel consumption has improved by almost a third (no it hasn't) and the stuff you don't see — because let's face it, who pops bonnets these days? — is also totally new. The transmission is an improved seven-speed auto with a stop-start function, and the electronic driving assistance systems are powerful and safe enough to qualify this as a Google car (but don't try that driverless thing at home).
It's built like a proper Eighties Merc too — you know, like the ones mechanics hated working on because you couldn't take them apart with a plasma torch. There's such good stability at high speed, the car feels like it's made of granite. Lane changes at whatever triple-digit speeds you wish feel more like teleportation. The steering is also adequate in sense and precision, if not weight. But the steering wheel itself feels like it was just meant to be; the perfect size, the perfect hand and thumb placement and just the right girth. It's a sweet way to attach to the car.
I also can't quite nail it, but this is the first automatic that feels like a manual. And I didn't even bother with the paddle gear shifts. It's just that the engine speed is always where you want it, just as you would manipulate it and use it if you were selecting gears yourself. A gripe is that the electronics will be a bit too patient with the throttle input. You put foot through a corner and the car stops for a second, considers whether it's safe or not, and applies the gas once you're already out of the turn. In sports mode the gears hold higher up so the throttle responds better, but that little stability control light keeps on flickering like a Nineties rave strobe. Regardless of whether you switch the traction control off or not.
The turn-in is also very good, so much so that you might find yourself overdoing it with steering angle. Then there is so little body roll, it's not worth mentioning, yet the suspension is more compliant than the competing Audis or Bimmers I have driven, and the Merc's sports mode is comparable to its rivals' comfort settings.
But despite all these improvements, for me the little engine is the highlight. This 184bhp 1.8-litre turbo is so eager to rev (shame about the lazy throttle) and as hard-working as a Ukrainian with individualistic tendencies in a Sixties Siberian gulag. With seven ratios to utilise, it finds even more strength in its 270Nm of torque and makes itself feel quite a bit tougher than it actually is. I can't imagine why you'd need to spend the extra cash on a 350.
Verdict
Having driven only the C200 from the new C-Class range, I'm already willing to bet my lunch that this is the one to go for. The price is right, and so is everything else. Well, apart from a couple of things — there's no real room at the back to speak of; it's fine for children, but adults will be a squash at best. Although I can't really fault it for that as its rivals don't fare much better. Also, the stop-start function doesn't actually function.
But it all looks fantastic fronted by that new face and a more aerodynamic design. With its gaping mouth and fake flanking intakes, swollen arches and faux rear diffuser, it's shouting, "I want to be a C63 AMG when I grow up!" Well that's swell, but calm down little C-Class, because you're fine just the way you are.
Specs
Model C200 Blue Efficiency
Engine 2.0-litre four-cyl turbo
Transmission Seven-speed auto, RWD
Max power 184bhp @ 5,250rpm
Max torque 270Nm @ 1,800rpm
Top speed 235kph
0-100kph 7.8sec
Price Dh181K (as tested)
Plus Build quality, road- holding, engine and ‘box
Minus Interior room
Note: The Mercedes-Benz C200 Blue Efficiency in fact does not feature the start-stop function, as yet. We regret the error. However, Mercedes-Benz Middle East has informed us that most of their models will feature the function by the first half of next year.
