This superbly finished vehicle offers competent towing and everyday driving, says Euan Doig
THE SUV SEEMS to be the default choice these days, whether you want to drop the kids off at school, travel up and down the country, or just commute into the city.
But there are times when you don’t need an SUV, and towing is one of them. A good estate does everything an SUV can do, and is more comfortable and easier to park.
If you’re on the hunt for a quality estate car, the Mercedes C-Class will very likely be on your radar, because it has the cachet of the three-pointed star up front, it will be economical to run, and it has loads of smart infotainment tricks to keep you interested and engaged on long trips.
What’s it like inside?
This generation of C-Class made rivals Audi and BMW sit up and take notice, because the fit and finish are superb. This is a car that feels very classy indeed when you’re sitting inside it.
There’s also a vast amount of space for those up front, although the rear-seat space is merely competitive with what’s on offer in compact exec rivals (cheaper rivals such as the Ford Mondeo offer much more).
There’s a reasonable amount of boot space compared with the A4 and 3-Series.
No matter which model you choose, the C-Class Estate comes with plenty of standard equipment. Even the entry-level SE models provide automatic lights and wipers, electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, a reversing camera and a system to help stop you crashing into other stuff. That’s not to mention a seven-inch infotainment screen and a DAB radio.
Move up the range to Sport and you’ll add heated front seats, sat-nav, parking sensors at both ends and self-dimming and electrically folding mirrors.
AMG Line models top the range and come with sports suspension and a bodykit – while they look really good, the ride is adversely affected.
How does it drive?
The 2.1-litre diesel engine develops 295lb ft of torque, which is plenty to get everything moving briskly. It’s a shame that the engine is quite so harsh and loud when asked to work hard, but it settles down at a cruise.
Of the two standard suspension options, comfort and sport, the former would be our preference. Sport is too firm, making you feel like one of those dancing dashboard dolls on a bumpy road. The automatic gearbox is also very smooth.
The C-Class is a thoroughly competent tow car. On motorways, it keeps a straight course, with only minor corrections needed, and isn’t moved by sidewinds. The electric handbrake
