THE Mercedes C-Class range alone offers a wider choice of models than some manufacturers boast in their entire stables.

In fact, by the time you have factored in the different engines available, body shapes and which trim level you fancy there are almost 60 different versions to ponder.

From smooth and relaxed saloons through roomy, functional estates up to some sharp, sporty numbers and topped off by the ferocious C63 AMG, there is a C-Class for almost every taste.

And with such a choice to go at there is one for almost every pocket too, which is one of the key strengths of the entry level C200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY saloon in basic SE trim.

An impressive enough starting point for the range it offers the chance to savour some of Mercedes' renowned engineering and refinement from as little as a snip under £25,000.

Admittedly optional extras fitted to my test car such as five-speed automatic gearbox (£1,490), electric sunroof (£910) and Merc's Audio 50 package including satnav, voice control and an MP3 interface pushed the price up to over £30,000 - but that still doesn't seem too bad when you've got the instantly recognisable three pointed star on your bonnet.

And with that star, of course, come certain expectations of quality and performance which the C200 for the most part delivers.

The 2.1-litre diesel unit is the smallest in the range and, therefore, doesn't offer the outright pace of some of it's bigger brothers, but noise is minimal and it is the consummate cruiser, eating up the motorway miles effortlessly.

And while it may not be Merc's quickest it is not slouch either.

That five-speed automatic box takes the briefest of breaths when you put your foot down but when it comes the acceleration is smooth and you'll get from 0-62mph in under 10 seconds.

A top speed of 133mph is more than respectable too - though probably best reserved for the unrestricted autobahns in the C200's homeland.

Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY technology means you won't be spending a fortune to run the C200 either.

There is a slight reduction in performance as pay-off for the slick automatic gearbox but average mileage of 51.4 to the gallon and CO2 emissions of 144g/km are far from prohibitive.

Driving is an absolute pleasure, with the SE models set up for comfort rather than the stiffer ride of the Sport version. The car still feels nimble, though and steering is responsive.

The driver's seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable and the seat features lumbar support while the dash and console are uncluttered with chunky knobs and dials making the heater and stereo easy to use. Many functions can also be managed from steering wheel mounted controls.

There is plenty of room for four and the interior materials are largely soft and tactile while stainless steel trim on the door interiors with Mercedes-Benz branding all helps to create that feeling of luxury that is expected of a Merc - although it does seem a little churlish to make the front cup holder an optional extra and charge £20 for it.

Dual zone automatic climate control with a dust filter is fitted as standard but for an extra £470 you can upgrade to the three-zone version so your front passenger and rear occupants can set their own temperature. This also adds a charcoal filter and solar and air quality sensors.

The boot is one of the largest in its class and easily accessible but for the extra adaptability and versatility offered by split folding rear seats you'll have to cough up an extra £225.

A comprehensive range of safety features complete an impressive list of equipment with seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees, ABS and stability control as well as active anti-whiplash head restraints.

As a package the C200 offers a modern twist to the classic image of a Mercedes saloon with some impressive levels of refinement - and at a price that won't break the bank.