Mercedes C-Class 2008 Review

Engine and Transmission
The estate uses the same engine that powers its saloon sibling -- a super-charged four-cylinder engine that puts out 135kW and 250Nm, with power getting to the wheels via a five-speed automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel..

Fitted with improved pistons and with modified engine management, the C200 estate boasts impressive performance and fuel consumption  at 8.3litres/100kms.

Exterior
The giant German marque has made sure to hold on to the distinctive Mercedes-Benz characteristics with C200 estate, whilst adding modern elements.

The distinctive chrome three-louvered radiator grille and big centred badge plus chrome highlights on the bumpers, wings and doors help to retain the classic Merc presence. The body coloured bumpers, polished aluminium roof rails, an electric glass sun-roof and 17 inch, five twin-spoke, light-alloy wheels give it an edgy modern feel.

The side profile highlights a creased waistline following the long rise from the bonnet, over the windscreen then gently down to the top of the tail gate where it drops abruptly and folds into a short rear overhang. The front wheels being pushed right to the front also give the car an athletic, purposeful stance.

Interior
Inside, the C200 has a sporty flavour with black floor mats and dash, contrasting with the door panels and arm rests in reef grey. The classic Merc heritage is never too far away though, highlighted by black bird’s eye maple and full leather upholstery.

As always, quality and attention to detail is easily evident. Electronically adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory settings, three-zone automatic climate control, a Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 sound system and voice recognition functionality are all standard.

Safety
Front airbags, window bags and side bags for the driver and front passenger plus window bags and side bags for the side passenger, together with Adaptive Brake Regulation with hillstart assist, ESP, ABS, crash-responsive active head restraints(for front seats) and a tyre pressure loss warning system, completes the substantial safety package.

Pricing
The C200 estate starts at $58,978.

DRIVING

Wigley says
After recently driving the C63 AMG I was a little apprehensive stepping into the standard wagon because I almost know I’d be let down. But I really wasn’t.

Both cars are great in their own ways – the C63 is a performance powerhouse and the estate is a comfortable, refined family wagon – and a damn good one at that.

The workmanship and quality of the interior as always is first class. Initially the seats felt a little small but I soon sunk into them and felt completely supported.

The flat bottom boot fits a lot but the car itself looks compact from the outside.

The revised suspension, especially with the three settings made driving a joy in all conditions.

Power, although not mind numbingly raucous, was sufficient enough to be able to merge and overtake without a trickle of fear that you might get rammed.

The one gripe I had was the legroom in the back seats. Even with the front seats forward, the back is only really big enough for two mid-sized teenages.

Verdict: 8/10

Halligan says
I am a big fan of the current C-Class.  The C200 wagon reaffirms this opinion once again. It's a great package and it just feels right when you drive it.

It has ample power for its target market. Style, presence, quality and performance are all excellent and I only have one criticism of the C-Class in general. It needs just an extra couple of centimetres between the front and rear seats.

While I am not a fan of models growing through their life cycle, I think the C can afford to do so. At the moment it is still virtually the same size as the first generation 190 I parked it beside in the family garage.

Start-up families shopping in this price bracket should consider this car. Don't do the normal thing and buy a mid-size 4x4 without first looking at one of these. Do your sums and consider cost of ownership and depreciation. Service costs, tyres and depreciation on most mid 4x4 is ludicrous especially in this price range.

Quality, presence and style. More people should consider one.

Verdict:  8.2/10