The Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI is quick, even with a tonne-and-a-half of tourer to haul. It took just 10.2 seconds to go from 30-60mph. The brakes are just as strong, stopping the outfit from 30mph in 10.2 metres on a damp track.
Power counts for little without control, but the C-Class was stable at speed, with little movement recorded by the Al-Ko ATC sensors. However, in the lane-change test on faster runs the driver felt the van pull at the back of the car.
The hill start was straightforward, whether forwards or backwards. Our practicality judge couldn’t find room for all our luggage, but was impressed by the handbook.