The long awaited new Mercedes C-class was finally unveiled last year, and has already established itself as a firm favourite with fleet buyers.

The C-class is competing in one of the fiercest sectors but all the pointers indicate that the new C-Class will continue to blaze a trail across its segment and also attract a whole new army of admirers.

Improved steering and handling qualities combined with more mainstream styling could tempt many 3-Series drivers to take a closer look at the much sportier C-Class. For keener drivers the optional sports suspension enhances the already excellent handling, while two–way adjustable steering is standard as would be expected of a car in this class. If you wanted to nit pick then some of the controls on the new C-Class Mercedes take a while to get accustomed to, as does the foot operated parking brake, though Mercedes seem to have a habit of tinkering with the simple, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, notion of a handbrake. To be fair, though, the controls do become second nature after a short while behind the wheel. Rear visibility in the coupé is a little restricted but it’s new sportier, more muscular look more than compensates.

The ability of the new Mercedes C-Class to cosset passengers is superb. Low wind and tyre noise is evident on all standard models, though the coupé’s low profile tyres do give a more audible driving experience, as one would expect from the sportier version. Front seat passengers have plenty of space to stretch and even the coupe can carry two average sized adults in the rear in reasonable, if not luxurious, comfort.

Split fold rear-seats are standard and add versatility to the Mercedes C-Class. Cabin storage is also excellent and a surprisingly large glove box will prove very useful, although much of this space is taken up if you opt for the CD multi-changer. SE specification cars, meanwhile, are well equipped and the additional trim and features represent good value for money.

Traction control and anti-skid systems are an appropriate standard option on the rear wheel drive C-Class, and emergency braking is a painless experience thanks to brake assist which applies full braking pressure in the event of an emergency. The Mercedes has a vast array of airbags, two stage front air bags deploy according to the speed of impact, and are complimented by high level window bags all round. Optional side airbags front and rear can also be added.

The Mercedes C-Class is difficult to fault in terms of build quality, typically of the brand, and the materials used are also generally of a high calibre. To put your mind at rest, it carries a three year, unlimited mileage warranty. Rock-solid build quality combined with the desirability of the Mercedes marque guarantee strong residual values. Fuel economy is also reasonable, averaging around 30 mpg on petrol models and 40 mpg on turbo-diesels.

In short it would appear that very little has been left to chance in the design and build quality of the new C-Class, and for those of you who are already fully paid up members of the Mercedes appreciation society this will come as no surprise. However one could reasonably expect this sleek, sophisticated piece of German master engineering to convert a new army of followers.

Verdict

German engineering at its best.