We say Competent all-round without ever really thrilling. A good motorway cruiser but it can get pricey at higher specifications.Performance Lower level supercharged diesels, introduced to replace small petrol engines, are frugal enough but the pick is a 3.0-litre diesel.Emissions Not great. The smaller diesels go some way to improve emissions but a figure in excess of 165g/km is some way off the class leaders. Expect fuel economy around 35mpg.Driving The C-Class is ideal for motorway cruising. Its rear-wheel drive setup is responsive and it handles itself well on shorter journeys.Feel Auto box is good and the engines are hushed. Manual transmissions are not so impressive and feel a bit clunky.Space Plenty of space for four and big boot extend with rear seats folded. Not as spacious as the estate, but the C-Class saloon is fine as an executive or family car in terms of practicality.Equipment Climate and cruise control, electric windows, adjustable steering wheel and seats are standard. Satnav and leather are options.Price The diesels provide good fuel economy and residual values are impressive – put that down to the badge on the front and build quality – but servicing costs are high. Prices range from £20,000 up to around £50,000.Quality Feels like a Merc, with everything that entails, but the interior is not as premium-feeling as it could be, particularly on lower specification models. However, it is well put together and the car should be reliable.Safety Loads of safety features are included but you’ll pay extra for rear side airbags and Isofix child seat mounting points.Pros The C-Class is good to drive, particularly on motorways, and represents a step up in quality. Residuals are high and the Mercedes badge carries a certain respectability.Cons The interior is not up to BMW 3-Series standards and higher specification models can get pricey. Watch out for servicing costs too.Alternatives Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Jaguar X-Type, Saab 9-3, Lexus IS