DRIVINGCOMPILED

LET THE SUNSHINE IN anthony@ramsaymedia.co.za

Two days cruising some of the Western Cape's finest roads in the new MercedesBenz cabriolets was barely enough to provide more than just a tantalising taste of one of the most comprehensive model ranges you'll find anywhere. But it took a lot less to time to appreciate just how far drop-top design has come.

For one thing, these days, top-down motoring at freeway speeds is a perfectly practical proposition. Today, clever devices such as Airscarf (opposite) cut out much of the buffeting that made previous-generation cabrios unpleasant at anything above boulevard speeds. Eliminating wind roar entirely? Well, let's just say that seems a bridge too far, but at least you're not yelling at the top of your voice to your fellow traveller. And the world “traveller” is used deliberately, because generally the rear seats, even on the big S- Class versions, are cramped. Funnily enough, it's the smaller models, based on the C- Class, that felt most roomy at the back. Part of this is down, of course, to the need for the powered roof to store itself behind the rear seats – which also intrudes on boot space. But that's the price that has to be paid for style.

Thankfully, drivability isn't a price that has to be paid. Because chopping a roof off a car compromises bodyshell rigidity, that stiffness has to be made up by reinforcing and bracing, adding significant weight. Modern construction techniques using lightweight, strong materials, though, have helped to overcome that drawback. The S- Class Cabrio is said to attain torsional rigidity values on par with those of the previous S-class Coupé, while weighing the same as the current closed sister model.

Today's cabrio, as evidenced on our twoday drive, exhibits a composure every bit as impressive as that of its sedan or coupé equivalents. An occasional residual shimmying movement through the steering seems to be more of a visual rather than a physical cue to what's happening while on the move.

The cabriolet bodies are based on the company's smart lightweight construction principles, with a high proportion of aluminium – in the S65, for instance, this includes, among others, the wings, bonnet and bootlid. Besides complying with all current national and international laws and rating requirements, it also meets more stringent in-house safety requirements, which are based on what actually happens in a real- world accident.

The dizzying array of models on hand for us at this local drive included highperformance AMG variants, too. There's no question that the thrill factor is significantly higher with these than with the standard cooking models. The ripsnorting '63 V8s, for instance, sound and feel absolutely at home on the track – and yet give away nothing to comfort requirements on the road, where they are as refined as you please in normal driving. Still, a popular favourite was clearly the S500. Here's realworld performance, wrapped up understated refinement and elegance that seems the ideal balance.

Speaking of usable performance, perhaps it was unfortunate that immediately after having driven the S500 we climbed into the C43 all- wheel drive. As smooth as that 3,0-litre six-felt, and as deep as its torque well seemed to dip, somehow there wasn't quite the same immediate connection. But then we drove the 125 kw C220D. And boy, what a sleeper. Yes, it may lack V8 crackle or V6 zing, but what it offers in substitute is a pleasingly balanced performance. And no, the diesel doesn't drone or run out of puff quicker than you'd think: believe it or not, this is a car in which mountain passes can be tackled with a degree of pleasurable anticipation. The ride on the Cabriolet is 15 millimetres lower in comparison with the sedan, so sporty driving certainly is on the cards. An optional sports suspension with firmer springing and damping, including the Sports Direct- Steer system, makes for even more agile handling – and you can order air suspension as an option.

Plus, because it's a diesel, while your sportier fellows are recharging their tanks, you'll be heading off into the distance.

Price: C- Class cabriolet from R699 900; S- Class cabriolet from R2 299 900.