Should you buy one?

On the UK market, there’s a relative lack of compact four-seater convertibles – you can get smaller, hatchback derived models but they’re really too compromised for day-to-day use, and the properly spacious four-seaters are now as large as a big luxury saloon; not much use if you’re primarily driving in towns and want to enjoy the open air.

That Mercedes has managed to make a relatively affordable, yet very well finished and secure-feeling Cabriolet without sacrificing traditional brand values of safety, solidity and quality is, therefore, to be applauded. However, it only takes one rival to present you with a dilemma, and there’s no denying that the Audi A5 is thoroughly accomplished as an open-topped interpretation of a four-seater coupe.

They have very different characters, though – and you may prefer the relaxed feel of the C 200 and C 220 d on the motorway, taking time to enjoy the high quality interior and impressive ride and handling inherited from the C-Class Coupe.

Likewise, if you’re after more performance the Mercedes-AMG C 43 features even more equipment and a host of sporty touches to help justify its high prices. plus the security of 4Matic all-wheel drive for year-round confidence.

It gets truly bonkers with the twin-turbo, V8 C 63 and C 63 S. These rear-wheel drive beasts roar into life in a manner quite at odds with the current trend for eco-conscious, guilt-ridden driving, and thanks to their efficiency they’re not irresponsible cars to run. Short, squat and nimble, they may encourage you to be irresponsible – and however you choose to drive them, you’ll be grinning the whole time.

We think this car is right up there with the best in its class. In the rarefied market for this type of convertible, the C-Class makes a particularly good fist of things. It just lacks that last degree of driving precision you get in a BMW 4 Series, or the quiet, efficient quality interior of an Audi A5. That said, it’s the best of the three if you value comfort over driver feedback – and it’s incredibly at home on Britain’s motorways…

Read the full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet review to find out how good this new soft-top is.