Faultless business transport vehicle
Interior
The supple and well-designed steering wheel just feels perfectly balanced and suited to this model. Tantalising metal adorns the interior in typical Mercedes lavish style. For this price tag the sheer audacity of standard equipment overwhelms and satisfies all in one swift coup. If you crave attention the “energizing comfort” option adds a dash of ambient lighting with massage functions and then tops it off with ionized air-conditioning and if that was not enough, it can even simulate a stroll on the seashore. OK, the option is there, but apart from the fluctuating lightning and varied blasts of air, it may be compared to a fresh whiff of filtered mountain breeze.
The equipment is simple to grasp and the sound system is strong enough to keep you awake if the active comfort gizmos fail on a long trip. Visibility on all the technology is exemplary and although it may seem a bit daunting at first, there is a systematic logic to all the functions that will have you feeling like a whizz kid in no time.
Performance
It’s not cast on this stage as a performance car and it sticks doggedly to its role of being effortless and easy to manoeuver, with just enough aplomb to allow a skilled driver to use its 400Nm of torque with snickering simplicity. It feels more front-wheel drive than rear and the steering input is as predictable as the lottery carry-overs, so unless you are attempting to risk your mortality on a mountain pass, the C220D will not give you any undue pulmonary shocks. Depending on the suspension option you pick, you can insulate yourself against our bumpy roads and unpredictable freeways. Its acceleration is not sluggish for its mass and will leave other vehicles in the dust as you cruise past.
The consumption of this car is probably the most surprising and intimidating secret in this stable for a long time. It scratches at the surface of usage and you can easily keep this car pulsing along at under five litres per 100km. Yes, it is with absolute certainty that we flounce these figures. It really is that good.
Summary
Class leading safety, trending good looks, barrels of technology and sedate personality aside, this engine coupled with this chassis is for me the perfect blend of underrated executive car with the occasional sporty alternative. Offering enough space and road presence to place it a cut above the rest, it will definitely be a pragmatic contender to lead this segment.
Mercedes Benz C220D
Price R875 146 (as tested) Base Model R 684 059 Engine 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel
Power 143kw
Torque 400Nm
0-100 6.7s
Top Speed 238km/h