MERCEDES-BENZ C220D AMG LINE

3 448 km 5,70 L/100 km

accomplished long-distance cruiser, impressive real-world economy

minimal ground clearance; outside temperature gauge sticking

We wasted no time in putting Mercedes’ diesel cruiser to work. Straight out into the Karoo on its second day to find a backroad route to Kleinbrak River, tarred, of; and finally, a sortie down the touristheavy coastal loop to Cape Point and Glencairn. All in a couple of weeks and good for slaying a few holy cows, notably a) sedans are lousy holiday cars in the age of SUVs, b) you need a dirt-roader to get the best out of South Africa’s platteland, and c) diesel’s day has passed.