The E250 is a rear wheel drive "saloon" offering plenty of interior room for five and a large boot. The styling is distinctively Mercedes-Benz and probably rates as the best looking E-Class yet.

People don't believe us when we tell them it's a 1.8 litre (1800CC), especially after riding in the car, feels like a 3.5-litre V6 in performance terms but delivers small car fuel economy rated at 6.6-litres/100km. Impressive eh, especially as you can't hear a thing even at idle? The engine is quite a high-tech device complete with a variable geometry turbo and direct injection helping it deliver optimum efficiency.

This car runs a suite of BlueEfficiency fuel saving components that include a decoupling alternator, low rolling resistance tyres, auto engine stop/start and aerodynamic refinements to reduce drag. All cars should have something similar.

The seven speed auto transmission is virtually imperceptible at any time and is almost predictive in the way it engages the correct gear for any given driving situation. Paddles on the wheel add a sporty flavour. It rolls on 17-inch five spoke alloys with wide rubber offering plenty of grip. The spare is a space saver.