Traditionally the cheapest bed at Hotel Benz, the C-Class sedan has been a success for Mercedes. It's outsold its larger siblings eight of the past 10 years — despite the fact that some versions have presented a cut-rate side to the brand.

Now well into its third generation, the 2010 C-Class is competent, but its cost-cutting interior ranks it below a number of competitors on the luxury ladder.

Trim levels for the C-Class include the C300 Sport, C300 Luxury and C350 Sport; click here to compare them with the 2009 C-Class. There's also a high-performance C63 AMG, which we cover in greater detail in our review of the '09 model. All four cars come standard with rear-wheel drive; the C300 Sport and Luxury offer Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. I evaluated an all-wheel-drive C300 Sport.

• Small, Stately
• From Capable to Rip-Roaring
• Handling, Ride & Braking
• The Inside
• Nuts & Bolts
• C-Class in the Market