28 Sep 01
Sadly, this impression is exacerbated by the combination of automatic gearbox and turbo-diesel engine. While the 2.2-litre common-rail engine looks promising on paper - peak power is 143 bhp and there's a generous 232 lb ft of torque (pulling power) - it feels breathless in everyday use and is happiest at a cruise, which rather misses the point. Its combined fuel consumption of 42.2 mpg is impressive, though, and betters the Compact's 40.9 mpg.
The diesel Sports Coupe attempts to be jack-of-all-trades, but ends up being the master of none. Ultimately, this Mercedes lacks both the dynamics and the depth of quality to justify its inflated price. This car can be pigeonholed only as a disappointment.
