A Special Mix Of Flair And Functions
What You Get
Compact sports wagons have long been popular in Europe for their extra versatility with no compromise to driving pleasure or operating costs. The Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgarde Estate (list price $69,026) with the optional AMG Sports ($13,106) and Dynamic Handling ($3821) Packs exemplifies the type, albeit at the upper end of the price spectrum.
Car Showroom tested a heavily optioned wagon over the Christmas/New Year break, returning it with some reluctance, so impressive was the overall performance and style.
Under The Hood
In an era when diesel engines are becoming increasingly popular, it is worth remembering that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in offering this option in passenger vehicles. But the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit in the C220 Estate is a far cry from the type used in the 1960 300D, delivering strong performance with quiet running and fabulous economy. The key to its liveliness is a remarkable 400 Nm of torque from just 2000 rpm.
Maximum power is 125 kW, which is equivalent to many petrol engines of this capacity. Cruising on the open road at 110 km/h it uses about 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres and the average for the 500-plus kilometers covered during the test period was 6.7. Carbon dioxide emissions are just 180 g/km. With such generous torque the five-speed automatic gearbox provides a good spread of ratios.
The Interior
The Avantgarde model costs $6221 more than the C220 CDI Classic and this premium includes leather trim. Perhaps surprisingly, the operation of the front seats is not fully electric and you need to reach under the cushion to move it backwards or forwards via quite a short lever. This new generation C Class Estate has considerably more interior space.
The rear seat folding arrangement is simple and precise. With the steel 'shopping crate' and split-fold backrest folded there is a long, deep and wide space that swallows nine large packing cases or four golf bags with trolleys. The expected plethora of airbags and acronyms is standard and the safety rating is the full five stars for the C Class sedan(s) tested in the Australian New Car Assessment Program.
Exterior & Styling
The Avantgarde models have a more extroverted sports style grille with the large star in the centre (just like an SL sports). They have outstanding presence on the road, especially with the lowered AMG suspension and those gorgeous 18-inch wheels that come as part of the Dynamic Handling Pack.
Even the 17s that are included in the AMG Sports Pack (complicated, isn't it - as well as exxy!) give the C Class wagon a big visual lift. Arguably, the overall appearance is even more stylish than that of the sedan and even from the rear, the Calcite White test car was a standout.
On The Road
Even without the use of the Sport button on the dashboard (which is supplied with the optional Dynamic Handling Pack) to stiffen the suspension settings and firm up the steering, this wagon feels like a sports sedan. There is little penalty in ride comfort paid for the lowered suspension but the 18-inch wheel/tyre package does mean higher levels of road noise on some surfaces.
Steering feel is perfect, turn-in rapid and the balance front to rear feels just right with neutral handling characteristics. Zero to 100 km/h is the work of just under nine seconds but the overall agility of this vehicle makes you wish for even more urge. It is the kind of driver's car that makes you resort quite frequently to the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles.
Challenges
You have to watch the options list. The test car came to a staggering $93,489 (plus on-road costs), which is 50 per cent more than a base model C 220 CDI Estate.
Verdict
If you want a safe, agile, agile and economical compact wagon, this is a difficult one to surpass.
The Competition
The Audi A4 2.7 TDi Avant ($69,400) is the most logical rival. BMW's petrol-engined 323i Touring ($62,500) is also a worthy contender. But the AMG options give the Mercedes greater panache…at a price.
Likes
AMG flair, superb dynamics, practical load area
Dislikes
18-inch wheel/tyre package brings higher level of road noise, expensive options
