MERCEDES-BENZ C 200
Base price: $74,300 ($78,000 as tested).
Powertrain and performance: 1.5-litre petrol four with EQ Boost mild hybrid system, 135kW/280Nm, 9-speed automatic, RWD, Combined economy 6.4 litres per 100km., 0-100kmh 7.7 seconds
Vital statistics: 4686mm long, 1789mm high, 2840mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 435 litres, 18-inch alloy wheels.
We like: Feels like a lot of premium car for the money, techy engine.
We don't like: Not available with the most advanced driver-assistance stuff.
It's hard to call a $75k car a bargain, but the heavily updated version of Mercedes-Benz's entry-level C 200 is a tempting prospect for many reasons.
What's the point of buying the cheapest version of a luxury car like a C-class?
Entry C-class still looks the part, although this car wears a $3700 AMG Line kit.
Because value for money counts as much among premium-car buyers as anywhere else - however much us mere mortals might think that Mercedes-Benz customers are price-insensitive.
Besides, at $75k an entry-level C-class is a lot of car for the money. You're getting the benefit of all that platform over-engineering required for the upscale versions, but paying a lot less for it.
In the case of the updated C-class, the C 200 is also arguably one of the more interesting models in the lineup. It has a tiny 1.5-litre engine supplemented by an "EQ Boost" 48-volt mild hybrid electrical system. It provides seamless stop-start, significant open-road engine-off "sailing" ability in certain conditions and power/torque boost when required.
C 200 is technically a mild-hybrid, with a 48-volt electrical system on board.
It's a clever piece of powertrain technology that's unique to the entry car in the C-class range (similar tech is present in the more upscale CLS and E 53 models). It enhances the eco-credentials without interfering with the driver appeal of this rather fine rear-drive executive.
It's still a real pleasure to pilot and you can even make it look the part it you have status anxiety. Our test car pictured here wears the $3700 AMG Line package, which makes it a dead-ringer for the previous-generation C 43.
Fine. So theoretically it would be better to add options to this one than buy the next model up?
Eco-credentials don't get in the way of the C 200's excellent rear-drive chassis at all.
Well, there's always a case for a premium car that goes fast(er).
The C 300 is a near-$15k step up and loses the clever EQ Boost stuff, but does still have much more grunt (190kW/370Nm) and perhaps more importantly, it comes with all of the driver assistance stuff that M-B is so very accomplished at: Distronic active cruise, Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist... the list goes on.
Ever-impressive on the inside, latest C-class gets more digital-focused instrument panel.
The spoke in the works for the C 200 is that you can't even option that stuff; M-B says the extra cost wouldn't make any sense against higher-end models like the C 300., and the C 200 does still come with a wealth of active and passive safety gear. Which is true.
That makes sense, but it's still a shame if you're in love with the eco-tech of the C 200 and are also keen on the clever automated-drive equipment.
Any other cars I should consider?
The C 300, obviously. In terms of other sedans at C 200 money, the BMW 3-series would be the usual suspect; but there's an all-new model imminent so we'd hold off on that.
The Audi A4 TFSI is lineball with the C 200, or if you're feeling less German the Jaguar XE 20t or Lexus IS 200t. The little "t" is popular in this segment.
If you're feeling less German and a lot more brave, there's also the Alfa Romeo Giulia Super.