Mercedes C 220 CDI > Reviews (11)

When i first saw the new C-class i really disliked it, the excentric curves and odd lights were hard to accept. However the more i saw it the more i liked it, and couldn't imagine liking the previous model's squared off corners and box-shaped chassis. The general exterior appearence of the c-class is one of the main reasons i have come to love this fine piece of German ingenuity.

The C220 cdi not only has the looks but also performs on the road in terms of both speed and economy: The 0-62.5 mph time is about 10.3s and it tops off at about 135mph! Which is quite impressive considering its only a 2.2l diesel. The C220 cdi can achieve about 65mpg on the open road (it shows you on the cool little on-board computer too!) and about 30mpg in the city. This excellent economy factor and performance gives the C220 cdi something its rivals like the BMW 320d and the Audi A4 1.8 tdi cant offer!

The internal styling of the C-class is unfortunately not as exceptional as its fuel economy. The boring fake wood and neverending dark leather and plastic does not harmonise with the beautifully curved exterior body, and many friends have commented on how dissapointinly unluxurious the interior is. I do believe this is mercedes' downfall when comparing it with Audi and BMW!

The C220 cdi will set you back about £20000 on the road if you bought a new one today. However a second hand 2000 model would cost about £13000 with about 30000miles. This shows the excellent depreciation value that mercedes' have, and when your spending £20000 on a car its all important. Another aspect when considering price is the spare parts cost. Unfortunately spare mercedes parts are not cheap and the expertise and time required to fit them really burns a hole in your pocket! However Mercedes pride themselfs on their reliability and it would be a rare occation for a Mercedes to produce a fault within the first 8 years. Overall i do believe the C220 cdi is good value for money in both the long and short term.

In general i feel that the excellent fuel economy value and price of the Mercedes C220 cdi far out-weigh its second class interior styling and spare parts cost making the C220 cdi a car i would definately recommend.