1st MERCEDES C220D

C-class Cabriolet looks great, and has the edge here with its long list of kit and neat drop-top features

THE sleek and stylish Mercedes C-class is our current favourite upmarket compact convertible. Not only does it look the part, it’s also decent to drive, generously equipped and features a particularly well-integrated fabric roof.

On paper, the C 220 d is at an immediate disadvantage to its rival, with its 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel 19bhp down on power compared with the Audi’s 2.0-litre unit. However, its 400Nm torque figure is a match for the A5’s, and in combination with the closely stacked ratios of its nine-speed gearbox and its four-wheel-drive traction, it allowed the C 220 d to sprint from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds, which was a tenth faster than the Audi.

The result was equally close during our in-gear tests, where the Mercedes trailed the A5 in the lower ratios, but was slightly quicker in sixth.

In the real world there’s little to separate our duo. While the C-class’s 2.1-litre diesel can’t match the A5’s 2.0 for smoothness and refinement, the responsive nine-speed auto keeps the engine in the muscular mid-range, so you can make brisk progress without having to extend the four-cylinder.

In corners it’s immediately clear the heavier Mercedes isn’t as agile as its rival. The steering is direct and well weighted and there’s plenty of grip, but body movements aren’t as well controlled and it responds to direction changes more lazily.

However, Mercedes has done a good job in strengthening the car’s bodyshell during its transition from coupé to convertible. Severe bumps result in some flex, but the movement is small and doesn’t upset the car’s composure.

This chassis stiffness has further benefits for the ride, which is reasonably smooth at low speed and supple on the motorway. It’s not perfect, though, with sharp ridges sending a sickening crash through the structure.

In other respects, refinement is good. As with the Audi, there’s more wind and noise with the roof up than in the coupé, but it’s far from intrusive.

The electric hood is lowered in 18.5 seconds and neatly stowed under a panel behind the rear seats. Yet it’s when on the move that the Mercedes really proves its drop-top credentials.

For starters, it benefits from standard powered wind deflectors – one between the rear headrests and another that rises out of the windscreen header rail. These do an excellent job of cutting turbulence, allowing you to travel four-up in comfort.

Other welcome features include the Airscarf system, which blows warm air on the neck of the driver and passenger, plus heated seats.