w204 estate, C180 CGI or C220 CDI?

[s4tronic]

Looking for a bit of advice. We're just about to replace my wife's car for something bigger and in the process of elimination and considering the budget (up to £15k + £6-£7.5k trade in) we decided on C class estate, 12 or 62 plate in Sport disguise.

What I am struggling with is choosing the engine. We dont do many miles (less than 10,000 a year) and its mainly around town. Once a year we will have a blast across europe but thats 1500 miles one off.
I was fixed on CGI petrol and we actually test drove one on Saturday but salon rather than estate. It didnt blow me away in terms of speed (ok its slow) but its going to be wifes car to drive around with the wee one so no need for outright pace. It will feel slow after Seat Leon FR DSG but she's fine with that.

After speaking to a sales guy though, he was adamant that CDI diesel is much better that diesels of the past and even for our kind of usage it would still be suitable.

Can anyone advise me if C220 CDI
1. Will be quicker, feel quicker than petrol?
2. Has any DPF horror problems to be aware of that we could see with low mileage use?

Other than that, I am actually surprised how cheap these mercs are, compared to Audi or BMW they seem much better value for money...

[Chris Hinds]

Tested both as options for me last time... The c220 will feel faster but it's noisy as heck and that definite put me off. E only smooth diesel in the C class is the v6. Personally at under 10k a year I'd be going petrol anyway

[Jem0911]

I've a 220.
No noticed the noise must be honest.
With that mileage though I would go petrol must be cheaper all round in comparison?

[amr2]

I have a 12 plate C Sport Estate with the 220 CDI and 7 speed auto box.

Fabulous car and whilst it is a tad noisier than a petrol it is not at all intrusive in the cabin and it drives superbly. I believe it to be the best option in the range.

Speed wise it is difficult to compare but because the acceleration is seamless it feels quick enough.

I for one would strongly recommend it.

[JEA1K]

Although not quite the same, I've just bought a C250cdi and the noise is something to be aware of. Its more noticeable when accelerating from lower speeds ... once up to speed its pretty quiet. I would take a test drive before you commit.

At 10,000 miles I would also question weather a diesel is worth it.

[Aidayboy]

I bought the wife a c180cgi sport estate this October from Vikings in Canterbury,I'm in Glasgow so was a bit of a trek but fantastic service and fantastic little car, honestly if your wife needs any more power than what's on offer she's driving too fast lol, mpg isn't too bad either.

[baxb]

Bit late to this one but have driven both (Ex MB sales) & for 10kpa I would choose the 180. Quieter & smoother than the 220, the low down torque in the 220 will make it quicker low-mid range but the 180 will shift ok if you rev it. I took a 180 sport estate to Morzine & Frankfurt over 10 days a few years ago it wouldn't do any more than 35mpg driven steadily at 70-75mph but also didn't drop below 30mpg on the autobahn despite 100mph+ where possible (got 144 indicated/139 Gps out of it - so not too slow when given enough space !) As has been said short journeys & cold starts will mean in reality there won't be a huge difference in fuel consumption between the two anyway.