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Mercedes C-Class

Two-faced C-Class arrives at the double

It's the first-ever split-personality Merc-edes. Longer, wider and safer, the new C-Class saloon has two faces

Auto Express Car Reviews

Comfort-biased models in the fresh line-up will get a traditional-style nose, with the three-pointed star sitting on top of the bonnet. But designers have given driver-focused Sport variants a more aggressive look, with the famous badge set into the front grille.

	Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety

Buyers can also expect revised trim levels as the existing Classic and Avant­garde will be axed in favour of SE and Sport models. Elegance spec remains.

Entry-level SE and mid-range Eleg­ance versions will follow the Mercedes tradition of comfort and luxury. How­ever, arch rival BMW is clearly being targeted by the new Sport trim, which will give a sharper driving experience thanks to revised suspension settings.

Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety. Every model gets seven airbags, with adaptive dampers, more direct steering and short-throw gearshifts appealing to keen drivers.

An Advanced Agility package, com­prising speed-sensitive power-steering, two-mode gearboxes and uprated sus-pension, will be optional on all cars.

Inside, there's a smart two-tone dashboard with a colour display in the centre. It allows both driver and front passenger to operate the major cabin functions using a simplified BMW iDrive-style controller which is placed on the centre console.

Under the bonnet, buyers will get a choice of three diesel engines. These comprise the 2.2 136bhp C200 CDI and 170bhp C220 CDI, plus the 3.0-litre C320 CDI, which offers 224bhp.

Petrol fans are also well catered for by the new C-Class line-up, with the C180 and C200 Kompressors produc­ing 156bhp and 184bhp respectively. The C230 uses a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6, while the C280 has a 231bhp 3.0 V6 and the C350 a 272bhp 3.5 V6.

Drivers looking for stronger perfor­mance will have the option of an AMG-tuned model next year, when the 6.2-litre V8 unit from the CLS and R63 is expected to feature under the bonnet.

A C-Class estate is on the cards as well, although the future of the existing Sports Coupé is less certain; Merc bosses have yet to make a decision about the three-door. The saloon will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March before hitting dealers in June.

However, the newcomer has already been given the thumbs-up by German inspection authority TUV. It has awarded the C-Class an Environmental Certifi­cate because of its improved economy, eco-friendly development and the use of green materials in its construction.

Prices for the range have yet to be announced, although the cost of entry-level cars isn't expected to rise.