Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Pre Model 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The performance credentials are exceptionally strong in this model and match those of the 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance as the engine delivers a maximum power output of 261 bhp at 3800 rpm with torque figures of 457 lb-ft at 1600-2400 rpm, giving it an impressive top speed of 155 mph. Acceleration is also fairly rapid with the car reaching 0-62 mph in just 6.3 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 experiencing 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 cloth/manmade leather sports seats as standard along with other improvements on the Elegance model, such as larger 18 inch 7-twin spoke alloys. The front radiator grille is also surrounded by bi-xenon headlights whilst the interior trim is upgraded from the chrome of the Elegance model to brushed aluminium.

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.

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. It 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 £37,630 - which is £1,700 more than the Elegance model.

Efficiency levels remain low and are marginally poorer than those offered by the 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance with carbon emissions of 162 g/km as opposed to 158 g/km.

What buyers do receive is a model with impressive performance and a lot of standard equipment, as well as the prestige of owning a Mercedes. This considered, the value for money on offer is not too bad.