Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Pre Model 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The performance credentials are the same as those of the SE model and the engine delivers a decent power output of 134 bhp at 2800-4600 rpm with torque figures of 266 lb-ft at 1600-2600 rpm, giving it a top speed of 130 mph. Acceleration is fairly rapid with the car reaching 0-62 mph in just 9.6 seconds. These strong performance credentials combine with smooth handling to make this car responsive and stable on the road. Suspension is adaptive and the car is able to change direction quickly without experience excess body roll.

In terms of noise disruption, the car is fairly refined although there can be some noise from the engine when worked hard. Road noise filters into the car’s cabin on certain road surfaces but this won’t cause much disruption.

The car is fairly attractive and offers a good range of internal equipment. Standard features include: power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a built-in sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 connectivity.

This model benefits from leather seats as standard along with other improvements on the SE model with a chrome trim is found in the interior whilst the wheels are upgraded to 17 inch 7-twin spoke alloys.

As a family car, practicality and comfort should be the main priority of this vehicle. However, whilst four adults can be sat comfortably within the cabin the central rear seat is highly uncomfortable due to the bulky transmission tunnel and this affects the practicality of the model.

There is plenty of adjustment available within both the seats and the steering column and this allows everyone to achieve the most comfortable position. As stated above, road noise and other disturbances are kept to a minimum and this means the cabin is a fairly quiet place to be.

In terms of storage capacity, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate range boasts one of the largest boot spaces in its class and this makes it a great option for families. Folding the rear seats down gives owners the largest amount of space, with a capacity of 1,500 litres. Even with the rear seats in place this storage space is still more than adequate for families, boasting an impressive 485 litres.

The internal storage is also enhanced as a storage package becomes a standard feature on the Elegance trim, offering additional storage capacity in the form of cupholders, sunglass compartments, underseat storage boxes and rear foot-well storage nets.

In terms of safety, this car is a great option – as demonstrated by its results from the NCAP crash tests. Here the car scored an impressive five star rating for occupant safety, making it a great car for families.

This is partly due to the advanced safety kit which comes fitted as standard to the models. This offers driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard with an alarm and immobiliser fitted to protect the car from theft.

The car also comes with a three year warranty for unlimited miles which is designed to offer buyers security and assurances over their purchase.

Like other Mercedes-Benz models, this car is fairly expensive with a purchase price of £29,905. The car does benefit from strong resale values which make it suitable for long-term ownership but some buyers may find the initial cost a little steep especially as it is £1,410 dearer than the SE model with only small cosmetic differences between the models.

Efficiency levels are fairly high and this makes the car great for families. The only slight difference between the SE and Elegance options in terms of performance is the carbon emissions which are marginally higher in the Elegance at 133 g/km – pushing the car into a higher road tax band (E). Overall, the model is good value for money.