Mercedes Benz has added more safety, fuel economy and enhanced looks to the new C-Class, which I had on test in recent weeks. The car retains its relatively compact shape and size and now offers equipment and performance that is top of the sector along with that Mercedes Benz luxury touch.

The new C-Class has a sportier look to it and this was further enhanced in the Avantgarde model, which I had. This model uses a three-louvre radiator grille design to give the car a bolder and sporty type look.

The more important ability of the car is based under the bonnet. The test car was the C200 CDi model, which came with a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. The previous model was fitted with a similar engine, but Mercedes Benz engineers have released more power and torque from the new model.

Engine power takes a lift from 148bhp to 167bhp, a jump of 13 per cent, while the torque ability jumps by 18 per cent. The new engine gives better acceleration, is cleaner, with lower emissions and it’s more economical than the previous C-Class 220.