Mercedes C200 BlueTec review

Without an auto box or air-suspension, the Mercedes C200 BlueTec doesn’t have the wow factor of other models we’ve driven. Still, you could spend £895 to add air-suspension to this C200 and it would still probably cost less than a C220 BlueTEC, while also boasting higher economy and lower emissions – perfect for company car buyers.

If you want to buy a diesel Mercedes C-Class now you’ve only got the choice of the C220 or C250. However, wait until September and you’ll be able to order this Mercedes C200 BlueTEC, boasting emissions of just 99g/km.

Unlike the current 2.1-litre diesels, this uses a 1.6 engine loosely related to a unit used in many Renault models. In terms of refinement it sounds a little smoother than the 2.1 diesels, but because it’s slightly down on power you end up working it harder, which tends to cancel out the extra refinement.

Even though there are no official performance figures yet, expect a 0-62mph time of around nine seconds, compared with 7.7 for the C220.

The C200 BlueTec we tested was about as basic as a C-Class can get, with no automatic transmission or air-suspension fitted. With a slightly slack shift action and standard springs that feel a bit too soft through bends, this car doesn’t feel as premium as the high-spec models we’ve driven previously – despite the excellent cabin. If you can stretch to it, the £895 air-suspension is well worth fitting.

We’re expecting prices to kick off from around £28,500 which, when combined with the low CO2 emissions, will make this one of the most company car-friendly models in the range.