Reviewed: Mercedes C250 CDI Coupe

Mercedes-Benz has traditionally attracted an older, more conservative buyer than its German rival, BMW.

But that could be about to change. Mercedes is making a concerted effort to lower its buyer profile with a new sportier version of the dowdy A-Class, as well as a range of sporty, affordable coupes and convertibles.

The latest offering is the C-Class Coupe, which in effect replaces two models: the popular CLK coupe and the not-so-popular CLC, which had outstayed its welcome by the time it was discontinued earlier this year.

The two-door C-Class is aimed squarely at BMW's 3-Series coupe, although it will also compete against Audi's fastback two-door, the A5.

What do you get?

The C-Class coupe range kicks off with the turbocharged petrol-powered C180, which sneaks in at $58,900. From there, you have the choice of a higher-powered turbo petrol or diesel version of the C250, both priced at $69,900.

It's hard to go past the diesel CDI version, which is more fuel efficient and delivers more grunt.

For the extra $11,000 above the C180, the 250CDI gets bigger, 18-inch alloy wheels, full-leather seats and a ''dynamic handling package'', which includes lowered ride height, stiffer suspension that is adjustable between comfort and sport settings and speed-sensitive steering. But the most notable change from the base model is the upgraded entertainment system, which offers internet access through a large centre-console screen. The system includes iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 10GB hard drive for storing music. It will also display album covers and incoming text messages on the centre screen.

Standard fare on all C-Class coupes is climate-control airconditioning, active cruise control, foglights, daytime driving lights, rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors.

The car also gets stability control and a mountain of airbags (11 in total, including four for the driver, three for the front passenger and two each for the rear passengers). The Pre-Safe system is able to anticipate a collision and prepare the cabin for the impact.

What's inside

When the C-Class sedan was launched in 2007, it was criticised for being a little austere. Since then, Mercedes has gradually lifted the look of the cabin and the coupe continues the improvement.

High-quality digital read-outs in the centre console and instrument panel blend seamlessly with the traditional knobs and dials, while the brushed metal-look inserts and two-tone grey and black surfaces look modern and classy. An optional panoramic sunroof runs the length of the roof, letting in loads of natural light. The downside is that it cuts into the available headroom, making it a tight squeeze for taller drivers and front passengers.

The front seats are partially electrically adjustable and provide good thigh and side support but the story isn't so good in the two rear seats. While they are comfortable enough, legroom and headroom are tight. Combined with the two-door layout, this isn't a car that's going to work for families, although the boot is generous.

Under the bonnet

The C-Class engine pumps out some impressive numbers: 150kW of power, a V8-like 500Nm of torque and claimed fuel use that is better than most small city cars.

But in the real world, it's not as impressive as it appears on paper. In peak-hour traffic we averaged between 11 litres per 100 kilometres and 13L/100km, about double the claimed average of 5.1L/100km. On freeway runs you'll get a lot closer to the official claims.

The engine is also not as refined as some rivals, with a distinctive diesel rumble on takeoff. The stop-start system, which kills the engine to save fuel when you're stopped at the lights, kicks back in with a bit of a grumble while, in its bid to save fuel, the transmission chooses higher gears that create some vibration in the cabin at lower revs.

There's no doubting the performance of the engine, though; it is impressively strong off the mark, with peak torque - or pulling power - arriving at a low 1600rpm. On the freeway, overtaking is an effortless experience, while hills are dispatched without the need to drop down gears.

On the road

Mercedes-Benz has always been able to balance cornering ability and ride comfort better than most and the C-Class coupe continues in the same vein.

On the C250 CDI, the suspension has been lowered and the springs stiffened to give a sportier driving experience. As a result, the ride is firmer but it still soaks up the bumps without crashing or jarring. You can also choose a comfort setting, which is good for pock-marked city roads.

Communicative steering and good grip from the 18-inch low-profile tyres complete a well-sorted driving experience.

Verdict

Mercedes has returned to the pointy end of the coupe business with the new C-Class. The modern, masculine profile makes the soon-to-be-replaced BMW 3-Series coupe look a little dated, while matching the kerb appeal of Audi's A5.

Inside, the cabin is an attractive blend of sportiness, luxury and high-tech digital read-outs, while the beefy diesel engine gobbles up the freeway miles with little fuss.

The cabin may not be the most practical or spacious in the business, nor the engine the most refined, but the relatively sharp price and good looks are sure to win plenty of fans.

Rating: 4/5 stars.