In one of the most competitive sectors of the car market the Mercedes-Benz C-class is surely the prettiest contender. From those peanut-shaped headlamps to the towing eye in the back bumper, it is every inch the matinee idol.

But don’t be wooed by looks alone. Mercedes offers a huge range of trim and engine options and the pleasure of C-class ownership depends very much on getting the combination right.

The current model was introduced in September 2000 and in an effort to seduce customers away from BMW it comes decently equipped. Even the base Classic has cruise control, six airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, an electronic stability program (ESP) and remote central locking.

The more luxurious Elegance has automatic climate control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, alloy wheels, chrome trim on the bumpers and door handles, and a CD player.

Costing about the same as the Elegance, the Avantgarde variant is supposedly more sporty. Lower, stiffer suspension, fatter wheels and tyres, black radiator grille, blue tinted glass and aluminium rather than wood trim inside change the car’s character, making it look and feel more aggressive and purposeful.

But if selecting the right spec is tricky, choosing from a range of seven engines can be nigh on impossible. Confusingly, the original four-cylinder entry-level C 180 didn’t a have a 1.8 but a 2 litre engine. Producing 129bhp it’s an honest workhorse but short on refinement. The C 200K shares the 2 litre four but adds a kompressor (supercharger) boosting power to 163bhp. It’s quicker but no more refined and considerably less economical. Just to complicate matters further, the latest entry-level engines actually are 1.8s but also sport a supercharger.

For the more refined power delivery you might expect from a Mercedes you need to look to the V6-powered C 240s and C 320s. Producing 170 and 218bhp respectively both feel more special; even the exhaust purrs with proper, discreet, prestige car pride.

Sitting right at the top of the range is the 354bhp C 32 AMG (Mercedes’ tuning arm). Understated, underrated and overpriced, it is listed new at £5,000 more than a storming BMW M3 and is a pleasure enjoyed by only a handful of people in the know.

Mercedes has long been a leader in the diesel field and the C 220 CDi will astound most drivers new to the technology with its refinement, power (143bhp) and economy (44mpg). The C 270 CDi’s 170bhp motor makes it virtually as quick as a C 320 petrol V6 but will still return 40mpg. The only downside is that second-hand cars are in short supply and prices will remain very strong.

There is one simple rule to buying a Mercedes: the marque is not renowned for its manual gearboxes and the C-class is no exception, so it’s sensible to opt for the five-speed automatic over the six-speed manual.

The cabin is stylish and spacious and the major controls are clear and easy to use. Extensive seat adjustment means that drivers of most sizes can get comfortable at the wheel.

Servicing at the 157-strong dealer network is due every 9,000 miles or 12 months.

USED BUY: Mercedes-Benz C-class

Check it out
Colours Avoid non-metallic finish unless you are saving £1,500
Comfort Air-conditioning standard before June 2002, when it became a cost option on Classic
Convenience Front seats have partial electric adjustment
Entertainment Single-disc CD player was no-cost option in lieu of cassette player
Gearbox Manual six-speeder can be slow and notchy, automatic a better bet
History Service records must be complete
Luxury Optional full leather interior includes dashboard and door inserts
Performance Very quick C 32 AMG has BMW M3-humbling 354bhp
Quality Check for minor trim problems on early cars
Safety Six airbags on all models
Security Remote control alarm and immobiliser standard
Upholstery Leather is essential on larger-engined cars
Wheels Alloys standard on Elegance and Avantgarde

Vital statistics
Model Mercedes-Benz C 240
Engine V6, 2,597cc
Power 170bhp @ 5500rpm
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel 27.4mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 9.5sec
Top speed 146mph

The one to buy
Mercedes-Benz C 240 Elegance auto, 2000 X-plate with metallic paint and 20,000 miles. Pay £17,750 at a dealer or £16,250 privately


Or for similar money ...
2000 X-reg BMW 323i SE
2000 W-reg Jaguar S-Type 3.0 SE
2002 51-reg Lexus IS200 SE
2001 51-reg Volvo S80 2.9 SE
2001 Y-reg Audi A6 2.4 SE quattro

VALUES: Mercedes Benz C 240 Elegance

Mileage 10,000
2000 X Trade £16,400. Retail £18,350
2001 Y Trade £17,400, Retail £19,350
2002 51 Trade £18,600. Retail £20,500

Mileage 20,000
2000 X Trade £15,800. Retail £17,750
001 Y Trade £16,750. Retail £18,695
2002 51 Trade £17,850. Retail £19,850

Mileage 40,000
2000 X Trade £14,550. Retail £16,550
2001 Y Trade £15,400. Retail £17,395
2002 51 Trade £16,700. Retail £18,695

Manual worth £750 less; Classic worth £1,500 less. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer