Over many months we've sung the praises of modern-day diesels. One of them, the Fiat 1.3JTD, features in our Best Engine feature this month, and also garnered the 2005 International Engine of the Year Award for engines between 1.0 and 1.5-litres.

But it doesn't end there. You see I've just finished testing the Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI that managed to get into the prestigious top-three in our Top Twenty schedule. And, it's definitely a wow!

Our ranking procedure by our clever computer was no fluke either. It cannoned to 100km/h from standstill in 6.99 seconds and clocked a rapid 157km/h at the end of the standing quarter mile.

And it's in the latter discipline that the C320 CDI stands out for if you check our test figures you'll notice that the Subaru Impreza WRX exits at 154km/h and the new petrol-driven BMW 330i AT at 156km/h. Remember, we're dealing with a mid-executive diesel here.

However its high Top Twenty showing is based on fuel consumption too, where the C320 CDI scores handsomely with its 7.3 litres per 100km overall fuel use.

To achieve comparable test performance figures with a petrol-driven automatic you'd be looking at using around 9.7 litres per 100km ? and that, if you take great care.

And what a pleasure it is to drive. The latest turbocharged diesels all offer pleasure when driven around suburbia. However the C320 CDI takes the cake with accelerator response is superlative.

But there's one downer to what is a great package. I had to repeat the test runs more than usual for one reason only ? turbo lag. When combined with the automatic box the CDI falls asleep for at least 0.5 seconds after flooring the accelerator.

What's more, not being accustomed to this handicap, I was dangerously committed when attempting to sprint away from a stop street between traffic.

Other than that the 7G-Tronic gearbox is a great experience, its fluidity of gear selection something to savour. Road holding, too, was more than ample.

Talk about diesel clatter ? it simply is not an issue, especially with the front windows closed. And once running the silence of this diesel is a highlight, especially while cruising.

At R373K you're forking out a considerable amount. But when you consider the 320 CDI's potential, especially with its frugal fuel habits, it's quite a buy.