Blue Efficiency offers leading engineering and economy

The current BMW 3 series (the 2012 new model has just arrived) has really had its own way in the compact executive segment since its launch. I know the Lexus IS range is serious competition in quality terms, indeed it is a car that I highly recommend and truly feel is a real match for a Beemer or Merc, writes Hugh Maguire. Nevertheless in the public eye Lexus has not yet achieved the perceived status of a Mercedes or BMW, but it is getting there! Other rivals include the excellent Audi new A4, and the new the Volvo S60 to name but a few. However none of these except maybe the Audi has managed to really make any great impact on sales of Mercedes and BMW. Mercedes and BMW therefore remain at the top of most people's wish list as the "most coveted" executive cars. I have been driving the oil burning C200CDI Blue Efficiency to see how it stacks up. My test car comes in the high specification Avantgarde trim with auto transmission. For Hugh's review of the Mercedes, see this week's Celt