"I'm so fancy you already know, I'm in the fast lane, from LA to Tokyo." Singer Iggy Azalea can keep the A-listers; this week I became a member of the C-Class.
Fitting for its stylish design, looks and "wow" factor, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 200 was showcased at New Zealand Fashion Week last month. Just a few weeks later and I am picking it up for the weekend from Tauranga's Mercedes-Benz dealer, Ingham-Sears, one of the sponsors of indulge Bay Model 2014.
With heady smelling sporty black leather seats, a smooth three spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a sleek Diamond White metallic exterior (an extra $1990 but well worth it), this car is quite simply stunningly beautiful. Its silhouette combines the sporty avant-garde with the elegant. On the road and in my driveway it got more than its fair share of admiration. Seeing it on waking each morning makes me want to rush out and kiss the Mercedes star set in the radiator grill's chrome louvres. I am in love.
But there is so much more to this car than looks. It is intelligent, and considerate to boot. Before I set off, Phil at Ingham-Sears took me through its interior buttons and gadgets. I have to confess I was in so much of a dream I wasn't really listening. When I drove off, everything becomes intuitive. The car does everything for you apart from drive itself. Sensing rain, the wipers come on. At traffic lights the engine rests. The LED intelligent light system senses when you need headlights, which come on automatically and will even dim when sensing oncoming traffic. LEDs light up the driver's door when you get in and out, making me feel like I am piloting a aircraft.
New to me is the Head-up Display, which is like a hologram on the windscreen bringing important information into the driver's field of vision. Helpfully, it lit up the name of the street I was driving in. As the car is so ultra-light and smooth to drive, it was important to be reminded of the speed limit.
I also loved the panoramic glass roof, which my kids enjoyed looking through at the sky and stars. Even though I would describe this car as perfect for me alone, and this diamond white version very much "a girls' car", it is also a four-door family car, with that all important extra bit of sophistication. As such, I am appreciative of the safety factors you would expect from a Mercedes, including nine airbags, adaptive brake, belt tensioners and belt force limiters. My vehicle also included the extra Driver Assistance package, with steering assist, pedestrian recognition, and active blind spot and lane-keeping assist (the steering wheel vibrates in your hands if you stray over the line).
Whether you are cruising on the highway or stuck in traffic, the fully interfaced media system has everything to keep you informed and entertained at the touch of a button, including internet radio and live traffic information. There are reading lights in the front and back. And a nice touch for those of us who check our lipstick at the lights-the sun visors include illuminated vanity mirrors.
Mercedes has got this car spot on. Starting at $71,000, join the queue to get this must-have in your garage.