COMFORT AND STYLE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

USED CAR REVIEW- Mercedes E200 Bluetec

WHEN I collected the pristine 151 E-class 200 from Connolly’s Mercedes Sligo I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was met by the well-known Sligo footballer Eoin McHugh (pictured above) who is a member of the Mercedes sales team in their state-of-the-art showrooms in Collooney.

I have driven previous models so would have some expectations but have to admit that it’s been a few years since I have driven the E-class for a longer than normal drive.

I explained to Eoin that I would be departing for Kerry the following day but we agreed that this was the type of journey that would really exploit the Mercedes credentials.

Mercedes have always had the reputation of producing cars of quality and luxury. The E-class has always been its flagship model in recent years to showcase driving a luxury family car with all the trimmings. The 2015 model that I drove represents all of the traditional core values of Mercedes.

The leather seats give you comfort and practicality but for me the most defining feature of this car was the overall level of comfort, particularly for longer journeys, that yours -truly embarks on a regular basis.

There has been a lot of competition in the luxury car segment in recent years and each manufacturer has had to up their game. Bluetooth, parking-sensors, infotainment are just some of the demands that we all come to expect in modern cars and the E-class delivers on this too.

The phone system is controlled by a dial on the centre console together with the main system/entertainment but the E-Class also has some features on the steering wheel (volume etc.).

Cruise-control is also a nice feature for the longer trips and it also has a speed-limit control for anyone with the penalty-points !

The space in the E-class is also impressive. You could comfortably seat 5 adults without any restriction on seat/foot space. The boot is also roomy and can be opened remotely for those rainy days in Sligo. Climate-control is also available as a dual-zone which means that both passenger and driver can have different temperatures.

Mercedes have recently embarked on a marketing-campaign targeting first-time Mercedes buyers and I find it interesting. They have realised that many people target a time in their life when they would like to own a Mercedes.

For me the USP (Unique-selling-point) of the E-class is and always has been the sheer comfort . Mercedes have always been wellknown for this and the suspensions system is one of the many fine characteristics.

For people who can’t afford a new E-class the approved-used option represents very good value for money. The car I drove has 58k kms and comes at a price of €30,950. This is nearly half the price of a new model (albeit the model changed in 2016).

However, I could recommend purchasing a 2/3/4 year old E-class. These cars are comfortable, reliable spacious and most of all still look good after many years of motoring (assuming that they have been looked after).

Star Select cars are available from Connolly’s and offer 12 months warranty and history check on all cars under 5 years.

Will I purchase a Mercedes E-class anytime soon. Who knows ?

Cruise control in the E-Class is a useful feature for those longer journeys.