Mercedes-Benz C300 BlueTec Hybrid Sport

Though new petrol hybrids crop up quite regularly, the combination of diesel power and an electric motor isn’t quite so common, with just Citroën and Peugeot, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz pursuing the idea. The additional cost of building a diesel powerplant is often cited as a reason for choosing petrol power, but you only have to look at the kind of figures that diesel hybrids are achieving to know that they have a significant running cost advantage. Witness this C 300 BlueTec Hybrid, for instance, which in basic SE specification is capable of a claimed 78.5mpg on the combined cycle and 94g/km of CO2, though our Sport trimmed test car produces a touch more, as a result of its larger wheels. But compare either of these to a petrol hybrid Lexus IS 300h, and just 65.7mpg is possible in its most frugal state. You can make your own minds up as to which one suits hybrid power best.

Despite wearing a C 300 badge, it doesn’t come with a 3.0-litre engine, instead it’s powered by a 201bhp 2.1-litre turbodiesel unit, paired to a 27bhp electric motor. In pure electric mode, the only sound comes from the tyres and the rushing of the air, and it works up to around 20mph and over short distances. When the engine cuts in, it does so noisily and not as smoothly as we would like, but once on the move, it settles down nicely. There’s good pace away from the lights, but the gear change from first to second can be a bit jerky at low speeds. Road manners are pretty good, with pointy steering that has decent accuracy, and great manoeuvrability around town. In corners there’s very little body roll, and apart from in icy conditions where the rearwheel-drive can show up limitations, there’s more than enough grip. Ride comfort is reasonably cushioned, with only the deepest rutted roads being felt in the cabin.

Despite being one of Mercedes-Benz’s smallest saloon cars in its line-up, that hasn’t stopped it from going all out to impress, with fittings that wouldn’t feel out of place in an S-Class. Beautifully crafted air vents, solidly made buttons and a stylish design mark this out as one of the best interiors in the compact executive car class. Just a creaking centre console, common to all the C-Class’s that we’ve tried lets the side down. The tablet-like display has been criticised by others, but we rather like it it’s just a shame that it doesn’t have touchscreen functionality. But it’s fiddly to operate and the redesigned controls aren’t as intuitive to use as the old system. The driving position is quite low, with excellent support coming from the nicely bolstered seats. Oddment space is excellent thanks to a big lidded bin on the centre console, a deep armrest cubby and a decent sized glovebox, as well as good-sized door pockets. Space in the front of the C-Class is really good, with leg and headroom both plentiful, however, in the back, avoid choosing the panoramic roof if you’re likely to carry tall people. It cuts into the amount of space and will have your passengers slouching in their seat. Thankfully knee and foot space is decently catered for. Boot space is reduced because of the hybrid gubbins, but only by 45 litres, so it’s still a very reasonable size.

Price / £37,040
Configuration / 4-door saloon, 5-seats, rear-wheel-drive
Drivetrain / 2143cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged diesel with electric motor, stop-start and selective catalyst reduction
Transmission / 7-speed automatic
Power output(engine) / 201bhp @ 3,800rpm
Power output(electric motor) / 27bhp
Maximum torque(engine) / 369lb ft @ 1,600-1,800rpm
Maximum torque(electric motor) / 207lb ft
Top speed/0-62mph . 152mph/6.4 sec
CO2 emissions(tax band) / 95g/km (A) Euro 6
Economy(urban/extra urban/combined) / 70.6/80.7/76.3mpg
Fuel tank size/total range / 50 litres/839 miles
Insurance group/BIK rate / 37/12%
Size(length/width with mirrors) / 4,686/2,020mm
Boot space / 435 litres
Kerb/max towing weight / 1,715/0kg