2014 Wheels Car of the Year Finalist: Mercedes-Benz C Class

Meet the bookies’ favourite: The Mercedes-Benz C-class.

The public shares that favouritism, based on a social media poll we ran over Christmas. Fully one-third of respondents believe the Benz will add Wheels Car of the Year to its plethora of local and international awards.

The C-class’s pedigree is beyond question – its predecessor took out COTY in 2007. But pedigree is not one of our five COTY criteria, so this new model must stand on its own merit.

The C-class’s new MRA architecture delivers a lighter and stronger structure. On which sits a more aerodynamic, more aluminium-intensive body. The cabin is more spacious, and on first impressions is of a vastly better design and materials quality than its forebear – even at the entry level.

There is so much to be admired about the C-class, not least its competence on the move. It steers and handles with a lithe, flowing solidity. It is quiet. Each of its four engines are impressively robust and economical. The new C eats the kilometres with effortless composure.

Click here to read the full range review of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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