THE three-pointed star the size of a plate on the pronounced, double louvered front grille may be a bit of a giveaway, so too would be the sleek, yet dynamic styling that gives this coupe its powerful road presence.

Mercedes has entered the sports coupe market with an offering targeting what the company calls a more youthful audience in the age 35-45 category.

That rules me out straight away, but I'm sure the Merc dealer would not turn me away.

To many, describing a car as beautiful is ridiculous, but if a can car be, then this two-door, four-seater is certainly up there featuring AMG sports package, bodystyling and 18-inch alloys as standard.

It sits lower than the saloon and is longer and thus attracts plenty of attention on the road and when parked.

In typical Mercedes style, the coupe, which went on sale in June, is also bristling with the latest technology including some really cool safety kit which has a practical purpose, but can add thousands to the price.

Having said that is still packed with standard high tech wizardry including the central dial that operates audio, navigation and telephony functions which can make your brain ache working it all out.

There's no false modesty with Mercedes, calling the coupe the perfect shape - and you can see why.

It has a low, wedge profile with a long bonnet and steeply-raked windscreen. Add to this side air intakes in the bumper featuring integrated, horizontal daytime running lamps and it is certainly imposing.

The interior is also class, dominated by black and read Nappa leather, a new three-spoke steering wheel with chromed central spoke and an impressive bank of dials that catch the eye with the brushed aluminium trim, and other logically-placed controls.

The only thing that I still can't get the hang of is the combined light/wiper single stalk. Maybe it's an age thing.

Dash and doors are finished with high quality soft-touch trim while the AMG touches are visible throughout the cabin.

There is a first class sound system which includes DAB radio, plus Bluetooth connectivity and an  array of electric and electronic goodies including rain sensing wipers, intelligent adaptive headlamps, parking guidance system.

Four are seated in real comfort and for just that little bit of practically the rear backrest can be folded to increase boot space from the standard 450 litres.

There is a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels, all equipped with direct injection and the start/stop function as standard. All carry the Mercedes BlueEFFICIENCY green credentials tag.

The 2.2-litre 170bhp engine in this car is not the most rapid around with the 0-60mph sprint taking 8.4 seconds, but it is no slouch either and is certainly smooth and efficient.

Combined with a slick six-speed manual transmission, the car has a claimed fuel consumption of a very credible 55.4mpg and very low, for the type of car, CO2 emissions of just 133g/km. Company car driver take note  - that equates to 19 per cent benefit in kind taxation.

The optional seven-speed automatic transmission slightly affects consumption and CO2 emissions, but with the steering wheel paddles gives the car an extra bit of performance.

The ride and handling are both excellent thanks to the sports package which will feature sports suspension and speed-sensitive sports steering.

It cruises almost silently on the motorway and despite the stiffer suspension soaks up potholes and bumps well.

Mercedes reputation for safety is excellent and occupants are protected with seven airbags as standard, including a kneebag and pelvis bag for the driver, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, plus the usual braking, traction and electronic stability aids, plus a standard drowsiness alert.

The car also featured optional lane departure warning and blind sport.

Like many cars in this class, you spend as much as you want on extras, but for most, the comprehensive standard kit is plenty.

This is a cracking looking car that performs well. Mercedes back at its best.