Make sure you read the handbook before you tow with a manual-transmission C-Class; the driving technique for getting away on hills can seem daunting. Keep your feet on the footbrake and clutch as you release the (foot-operated) on/off parking brake then, as you move your right foot to the accelerator, pressure in the brake system is maintained for a couple of seconds while you engage the clutch. In practice it works but it needs practice. If you stall, you have to act swiftly to get your left foot on to the parking brake.
On the track, the C220 was brisk and the six-speed gearbox well suited to towing. High-speed stability was not a strong point, though. Promising pretty reasonable running costs for a Merc, the C220 disappoints as a load carrier – it swallowed only half our typical caravanner’s load.
| Caravan weight |
Noseweight limit |
Drive |
Cyls/CC |
bhp@rpm |
lb/ft@rpm |
CO2 g/km |
Ins group |
Price |
Tested |
|
1,347kg |
75kg |
RWD |
4/2148 |
170@ 3800 |
295@2000 |
156 |
14E |
£28,797 |
2008 |
Mercedes Benz C220 CDI
