Mercedes CLK

At the heart of the stylish newcomer is the C-Class's acclaimed rear-drive platform, which has so far spawned the Sports Coupé and the C-Class saloon and estate. It will also underpin the next SLK, due here in March 2004.

Unlike its smaller siblings, which are limited to four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, the CLK boasts seven engine options. These include two new 2.0-litre supercharged petrol four-cylinders, a 2.6 and a 3.2-litre V6, and a pair of V8s - a CLK 500 and a 367bhp CLK 55 AMG to rival Jaguar's XKR.

Of most interest to UK buyers - particularly in light of the recent company car tax laws - is the £29,685 270 CDi turbodiesel, out in December. With its swooping roofline and SL-inspired front-end styling, the CLK is probably the most desirable machine ever to drink from the black pump. Of particular note is the superb rear-end detailing and the absence of B-pillars, which gives the car a flowing, organic look with the windows down. Inside, the Mercedes tradition of sophisticated design and understated opulence continues. Even in the dubious cream and wood finish of our Elegance model (the more tasteful metallic Avantgarde trim is available at no extra cost), the cabin oozes style. And while there were signs of cost-cutting on our pre-production car - such as a wobbly glovebox and sunroof switch - the fit and finish is better than other C-Class variants'.

The platform's extra length is put to good use inside, freeing large amounts of rear leg and shoulder room for a coupé - not to mention a sizeable boot. However, six-footers will find the roofline a little close for comfort. As with all coupés, though, the CLK is primarily concerned with satisfying the needs of its pilot. The driver's seat is comfortable, low-slung and has a position to suit all sizes, while stereo and trip computer settings can be controlled via four easy-to-use buttons on the steering wheel.

Elegance and Avantgarde models are identically equipped, with climate control, seatbelt mounts which slide forwards when the door is opened, front, side and window airbags, ESP stability control and rain-sensing wipers as standard. Several hi-tech features from the S-Class are options, including Distronic radar-assisted cruise control, Linguatronic voice command and keyless entry and ignition.

The greatest attraction, however, is the 2.7-litre, five-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine - appearing in the CLK for the first time and the only such unit fitted to a prestige coupé. With 170bhp and 400Nm of torque on tap from 1,800rpm, the CDi offers a superb blend of mid-range muscle and flexibility.

Unlike many other Mercedes models, which suffer from a 'dead zone' in the first inch of throttle travel, the newcomer offers a linear, progressive power delivery and virtually no turbo lag. Combined with the smooth, responsive five-speed auto fitted to our test car - optional on the 270, but worth every penny in light of the standard manual's unpleasant shift action - this makes overtaking as instinctive as slipping on a pair of shoes.

Drivers used to the BMW 330Ci's razor-sharp dynamics might find the CLK lacking in involvement, however. The steering is a touch light at speed and doesn't turn the car into bends with the conviction of a true sports coupé. But the Merc grips well in corners and, with a rear track that's 10mm wider than the C-Class's, felt utterly stable at speeds of over 100mph on German autobahns. And barely a whisper of wind, road or engine noise invades the well insulated cabin. Keen drivers can also opt for a sports suspension pack, which tightens up the car's body control without compromising its remarkably supple ride.