The first notable change is at the front, with the fitment of two different grilles. Standard models sport the classic chromed grille and three-pointed star, but sports models feature a racier three-slatted grille with integrated badge. The rear styling follows the family look of larger Mercedes saloons - it's almost a scaled-down version of the S-Class. The rest of the design follows current Mercedes styling cues, with its chunky lines and big wheelarches. The shape suits some colours better than others; I thought the C220 CDi Sport in white was particularly striking, whereas the C220 I drove was finished in a totally forgettable shade of metallic blue.
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The latest C-Class is a great-looking car, because in looks alone it's far less conservative than old. But it's the dynamics of the C-Class that are likely to cause more of a stir though. The C-Class is fitted as standard with selective dampers, which automatically adjust to road conditions and cornering forces. The upshot of this is that new C-Class is an entertaining drive with excellent body control and cornering agility.
Inside, as you'd expect it feels like a high quality product. Though I felt that not all the interior plastics felt as good as those on the top of the dash. Two of the cars we drove on the UK launch were fitted with £1,995 COMAND cabin control system. It's expensive but includes sat-nav, voice control, 4GB music hard drive and a six-disc CD autochanger. Cars with out the COMAND system are also fitted a screen which displays audio information.
The new C-Class is a practical saloon. There's room for four, with ample front legroom, but although spacious there's not as much room in the back as the BMW 3-Series. Boot space is impressive, and the wide opening aids practicality. A folding rear seat is a £225 option.
I drove the 184hp C200K Elegance, the 170hp C220 CDi Sport diesel and the C280 Sport with 231hp. All were fitted with smooth-shifting automatic transmissions. Of particular note was the C280, which was fitted with seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. The 1.8 litre engine fitted in the C200 was willing, though lacked torque and felt strained at higher revs. Although the C220CDi was refined and torquey, the C280 was the best petrol version of the new C-Class that I tried. It was charismatic and capable, and should do well against the BMW 325i. The C280 is an enjoyable drive, but it's the C220 CDi Sport I would rather take home.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our Mercedes C-Class gallery
The 2.2-liter CDi engine felt refined and in the real world it's not far off the C280 in terms of speed and acceleration. The top speed is 141mph, with the 0-62mph dash covered in a respectable 8.5 seconds. The sport pack includes 17-inch AMG wheels and sports suapension giving a more dynamic feel, so I was able to make the most of the C-Class's excellent, exploitable chassis.
The new C-Class has just gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £22,937. The question is, is it better than the 3-Series? Well, almost. The new C-Class is a seriously competent alternative, I just wish it was a bit more fun to drive.
Tiscali verdict: Serious BMW 3-Series alternative, take a look 7/10
