C FOR CLEVER CHOICE

While the herd heads SUV-wards, the smart money snaps up a C-Class

The new C-Class is nearly with us, looking a lot like every C-Class that preceded it, and bound to be similarly outshone by the rival 3-series and overshadowed by the big-brother E-Class, not to mention Merc’s SUV tsunami. But the current C-Class is a fine car, and currently excellent value.

The headline-grabbing AMG versions – the six-cylinder, allwheel-drive C43 and the eight-cylinder rear-wheel-drive C63 – can be a lot of fun, with more finesse than previous sledgehammer-like C-AMGs. But the for the best value, set your sights on a C220d (192bhp, 295lb ft) or C300d (241bhp, 369lb ft, and a second quicker to 62mph) diesel, with the nine-speed auto.

If you buy into the idea of a Merc as a comfortable, refined, well-equipped conveyance, you’ll need to avoid the lowest-spec models (SE has fake leather and 17s rather than 18-inch wheels), although that’s easily done as they’re thin on the ground. Instead, go for Sport or AMG Line, and you’ll find that many cars’ first owners dipped into the extensive options list, bringing panoramic sunroofs, upgraded seats and fancy materials on the dash.

Estate or saloon? The saloon’s boot is modest by the standards of its class, but you gain about 1000 litres by opting for an estate, so that makes a lot of sense even if you don’t have a dog. It doesn’t give your rear passengers any more room, but it does mean they won’t be sharing seat space with bags that couldn’t fit into the boot, and if losing the rear bulkhead brings any reduction in refinement then it’s a small one. ⊲

The Macan does just about everything, and does it really well. From the precision of the steering to the bite of the brakes, from the agility of the chassis to the immediacy of response, there’s a true Porsche feel to the way it stops, turns and goes. It not only steers and handles better than any other SUV, but also better than most cars period, utterly disguising the fact it’s a highriding, two-tonne SUV.

Thanks to its Audi Q5 DNA you get sensible family transport plus Porsche chassis magic and the same precision to the control weights you find in a 911 or Cayman. Such polish comes at a premium, but the Macan’s been around a while now and Porsche sells so many (nearly 100,000 worldwide every year) that prices are reasonable with plenty to choose from.

The range soon stretched from 2.0-litre four-cylinder to an S with a twin-turbo V6, to an actual Turbo, plus an S Diesel, a GTS to fit between the S and Turbo, and a range-topping Turbo Performance Pack. The entry-level Macan, along with the Macan S and discontinued S Diesel, have been the most popular UK models, and are thus the most plentiful in the used market. A new Macan S starts at £49,420; they’re in high demand, so a well-spec’d 2018 car will still cost you more than £40k. But there are good basic Macans at reputable dealers for £30k.

And there could be a slight price drop in the next 12 months, when the second facelift arrives. Porsche isn’t rushing out an all-new model when the current one is still selling so well.

To live with the Arteon is to fall in love with it. I ran one for six months in 2018 and it was impeccable. Because as much as we might dream of rear-drive, natural aspiration, a clutch pedal and hydraulic steering, what you often actually need is comfort and convenience. And that’s this big VW’s forte. It’s a Passat under the chiselled skin, but its cavernous interior and comfy ride abide in another league.

I took it through France for our Sports Car Giant Test in 2018, and it played the support car role with aplomb. The 563-litre boot swallowed kit bag after kit bag, and when trekking between locations those who travelled by Arteon arrived fresh, while those choosing a Porsche 911 GT2 RS or McLaren Senna arrived with freshly acquired aches and tinnitus. And a used Arteon comes from a time before VW stopped providing enough infotainment buttons to allow you to keep your eyes on the road.

Okay, the hatchback boot won’t find favour with dog owners, and for some mainstream buyers only an SUV will do these days.

But for the rest of us, this is transport done properly. ⊲