Despite possessing the most prestigious badge, the C200 cabin lags behind the other two in terms of overall refinement. Making up for this are its controls, which are the most user-friendly. The turbocharged 1.8-litre engine also delivers good power and decent fuel economy, while attracting the lowest road tax.
Making a really strong case for itself is the revised IS250, whose greatest strength lies with its on-board appointments, making it the most luxurious among the three contenders. Air-conditioned front seats, a competent audio system and a multi-function touch-screen are just some of the Lexus’ selling points. The interior is not roomy enough, though.
Which leaves us with the Audi A4. Although not as refined as the IS250 or immediately welcoming as the C200, the A4 manages to combine performance, technology and a great interior into one appealing package. It deserves to be first in line for that promotion up the corporate ladder.
Audi A4 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1984cc
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 92.8mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Max Power 211bhp at 4300rpm
Max Torque 350Nm at 1500rpm
Power to weight 134.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.5 seconds
Top Speed 245km/h
Consumption 13.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Five-link, wishbones, anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal-link, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy
Size 225/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4703mm
Width 1826mm
Height 1427mm
Wheelbase 2808mm
Kerb Weight 1565kg
Turning Circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price $191,100 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Excellent cabin, strong brakes, versatile performance
– Equipment deficiencies, tyres need a sportier tread
Lexus IS250 Premium 2.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 2500cc
Bore x stroke 83mm x 77mm
Compression ratio 12:1
Max Power 205bhp at 6400rpm
Max Torque 252Nm at 4800rpm
Power to weight 133.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.4 seconds
Top Speed 225km/h
Consumption 11.1km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones
Rear Multi-link
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Size (F) 225/45 R17
(R) 245/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 8
Traction Control ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4585mm
Width 1800mm
Height 1425mm
Wheelbase 2730mm
Kerb Weight 1530kg
Turning Circle 10.2m
BUYING IT
Price $188,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Facelift keeps design fresh, luxurious interior, quiet ride
– Cramped rear seat, small boot, highest thirst for fuel
Mercedes-Benz C200 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1796cc
Bore x stroke 82mm x 85mm
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Max Power 184bhp at 5250rpm
Max Torque 270Nm at 1800rpm
Power to weight 122.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 5-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.2 seconds
Top Speed 232km/h
Consumption 13.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Multi-link, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 8
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4581mm
Width 1770mm
Height 1447mm
Wheelbase 2760mm
Kerb Weight 1505kg
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $184,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Handsome looks, intuitive switchgear, well-specified package
– High price relative to equipment, firm seats, simple interior
