This long bonnet stretches out to meet the large light clusters then drops into the colour coded bumper with integrated fog lights. To profile and the sculptured lines ooze more elegance as does the colour coded door handles, body protection strips and electrically heated and folded door mirrors while the large alloy wheels cements it muscular stance. The rear, by comparison is less subtle with only the Mercedes logo giving the name of the game away.
The new C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessor meaning there is more room inside not just for occupants, but all those luxury toys such as full black leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front heated seats, height adjustment steering wheel with cruise control and full Bluetooth technology remote controls on the wheel.
Additionally, there are individual driver and passenger climate control switches plus a fantastic CD audio player cleverly hidden from view, with the dial commander to change stations, navigation or telephone safely, positioned to the left of the driver by the gearbox.
The COMMAND provides voice operation, a music register, hard disk drive navigation and an integrated DVD changer. That means this C-Class doubles up beautifully as the luxury family car if you have to go down that road. Hence storage solutions include a lockable air conditioned two tied glove box, secret compartments in the arm rest, as well as door pockets and the children will be grateful for the extendable pockets behind the front seats along with the central rear armrest that pulls down to revel a hidden box and two pop out drinks holders.
So having dumped them at the school amid dagger looks from jealous mothers, its off to the shops and with the C- Class’s abundant boot space, plenty of room for the weakly shop and more. Thanks to the powered tailgate opening you are not standing there getting all harassed as you hang onto the trolley whist fumbling to open the boot and with the internal boot release, you can also get some obliging chap to simply load your car up with your new purchases.
Then it’s time to hit the road and as the C-Class 230 sprints away from 0-62 in just 8.5 seconds, it does not take long to reach the open plains whereby you will then experience the amazing technology that this car has been fortunate to be blessed with. The seven speed automatic gearbox will take all the stress of driving away as you pass petrol stations knowing it will be a long time till you have to re-fuel as the 230 claims 31 mpg on a combined cycle with emissions a respectable 217 for this V6 engine. The ride and handling is exquisite and this C-class is simply an utterly pleasurable experience. Of coarse, having Agility Control Suspension does help giving the driver the best of both, a comfortable ride plus agile handling, while the Agility Control Steering is 6% more direct than its predecessor making this C230 a very obedient car to steer.
It is also incredibly safe having a body shell of which 70% consists of high strength and ultra high steel, seven airbags, height adjustable belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The head restraints operate on the NECKPRO principle and get pushed forward and upwards in the event of a rear end shunt that significantly reduces the risk of whiplash. Then there is PRESAFE that activates ESP and Brake Assist if needed, ABS, Acceleration Skid Control, Rear brake lights that flash if you need to brake harshly at speeds over 30mph thus instantly warning the driver behind something is happening, Intelligent Light System where by the powerful bi-xenon headlamps automatically adapt to driving conditions, automatic dimming rear view mirror and drivers door mirror, plus rain sensing wipers.
Securing this beloved machine is remote central locking, an alarm and immobiliser; hence falls into insurance group 15E.
The C-Class has been Mercedes’ bestseller in the passenger car range to date so to improve such a vehicle takes some doing. But they have with the lovely new looks, sumptuous interior with every conceivable feature a driver needs on board. The C 230 delivers a superior ride and handling and thanks to the numerous safety innovations, many a first, the C230 is so utterly dependable and safe. I guess you are no doubt thinking this must cost a fortune. But no, the ace up the C-Class’s sleeve is that prices start from £22,937 for the C180 Kompressor rising to £ 35,577 for the C 350 Sport meaning my test car fell in at £ 27, 577. However, with the optional extras such as parking sensors, telephone hands free, 7- speed automatic gearbox, integrated CD changer with MP3, heated front seats, leather upholstery and metallic paint, did kind of pushed the price tag up to £32, 152.
But still, is that value for money or what?
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet