Bless me, but this Merc is marvellous!

adrenalin rush.

The upshifts (particularly from first to second) happen in fractions of a heartbeat and done with vigour, are accompanied by a brutal thump.

Down-shifting produces a bark from the exhausts as the system blips the throttle, automatically detonating unburnt fuel on simulated double-declutching.

Even at slow speeds, when Sport+ should be twitchy and nervous, the C43 AMG feels relaxed, just waiting for the starter’s pistol under your right foot.

And, another surprise: even in the most extreme suspension setting, the car still handles road imperfections with little fuss. The suspension ( and accompanying throttle and steering parameters) can be set in “Economy” mode. I did it once or twice and the Benz performed like any soft, laid-back limo.

As you’d expect from any MB product, there is a feeling of quality and luxury around you in the cabin. The latest iterations of the C-Class and indeed other models in the range now have a cabin aura which is not far off that of class leader Audi and equal to that of BMW. The AMG, with its sports seats and red seat belts, is a very seductive environment in which to spend time.

Again, however, I have to give a smack to the MB designers for taking the radio interface back a number of steps. The new radios in the latest cars take ages to get used to and require many more steps to do simple things like saving favourite stations. Sometimes, people, please accept: if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.

That really is the only complaint I have about the C43 AMG.

It is not cheap at R900 000, but if you consider the performance on offer it is good value for money and about R400 000 cheaper than a C63S.

I realise some will prefer the brawnier, bigger-engined car: but, for me, the C43 AMG is as fast as you’ll ever need, as luxurious as you’ll ever need and, compared to the C63S, better value for money.

It is one of the best performance saloons on the market (and this includes BMW’s cheaper but less powerful 340i, which is one of its competitors, as well as the BMW M3, which is more powerful but only slightly quicker than the C43).

I have driven many Mercs over the years but this is simply the best.

My advice would be: enjoy it now before the government regulators forever ban these sort of engines.

I suppose as penance for my transgression I will have to drive a hybrid.