New Mercedes-Benz C-class C 200 petrol review, test drive

Should I buy one?

Just the fact that this is the third new Mercedes-Benz model we’re reviewing this week should give you an idea of the aggressive attack the company is mounting on our market. The S-class set a high benchmark at the beginning of the year, a number of AMGs whet our performance appetites, and the MFA-based models have shown us that Mercs are still Mercs, even when they’re compact. It actually made us wonder how the new C-class would fit in without treading on the toes of the smaller cars and the bigger E-class. The answer is simply that it walks its own separate line. The design is fresh and unique, and does enough to both tie it to the bigger S-class and also place it a level above the compact Mercs. The cabin quality is hard to fault and sets a new benchmark for the class, with a fresh design that is a pleasant departure from the ‘cookie-cutter’ design templates that typify the segment. This version is also really well equipped, and gives a proper luxury feel. And our few bugbears with the suspension are more to do with how the pervious C-class with its old-school mechanicals just felt better; on its own, the new C-class’s dynamics is pretty impressive too. Yes, you’ll have to wait until March 2015 for the diesel version, and more affordable lower-specced versions as well as local assembly are in the pipeline too (this fully imported, fully loaded C 200 petrol is a little pricey at Rs 40.9 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi). But for the quality, equipment and sense of occasion alone, we think it’s worth your money.

GAVIN D’SOUZA