Mercedes C-Class saloon 2014 review - pictures

The exterior takes styling cues from the larger S-Class, and the C-Class' neat lines, sculpted sides and swept-back headlamps provide plenty of head-turning kerb appeal. 

The Mercedes C-Class is the first car to be fitted with their rear-wheel-drive architecture (MRA), cutting 70kg from the body.

The boot capacity is 480-litres, the same as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Mercedes’ mighty C63 AMG is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine with 469bhp, while S models produce 503bhp.

Quality in the C-Class is top-notch. 

The optional seven-speed automatic transmission is unresponsive and holds onto gears for too long before changing. 

Steering is quick and direct but lacks feedback and is inconsistently weighted. 

The C-Class is bigger than the previous model, so overall there is more cabin space. 

The C-Class is available with plenty of engine choices. For those looking for that extra bit of power, there's an AMG 63 version available, too. 

The 2.1-litre diesel engines in the C220 and C250 CDI are powerful and efficient, but can get a little noisy. 

The Mercedes C-Class will also be available in hybrid versions.

Rear seating in the Mercedes C-Class offers a similar amount of leg and headroom as its rivals.