When a car enters its last model-year, its maker often streamlines the lineup and boosts the content. That's exactly the case with the entry-level Mercedes. Last year's wood-and-leather Elegance option is now standard on a five-car range that comprises C230, C280 and C350, plus all-wheel drive 4MATIC versions of the latter two. R.I.P the wicked V8 C55 AMG, though doubtless an even wickeder replacement is in the werks. The remaining models deliver a nice balance of performance and refinement, handling and ride comfort. Engines displace 2.5 litres on the 230, 3.0 litres on the 280 and 3.5 litres (where's the logic?) on 350. A 6-speed manual is available on C230 and C350, the others come only with automatic.

A finely detailed, affordable scale-model Mercedes

Small inside, no more (sniff, sniff) C55 AMG