NOW in its 125 year of history Mercedes-Benz has just entered a new sector offering for the very first time a compact, classic coupe.

A youthful and sporty two-door car, the C-Class Coupe had already been well applauded at its Geneva show introduction back in March for its impressive format.

Now it has been impressing showroom visitors with its handsome good looks. Targeting the 35 to 45 age group, the German car giant has modestly described its extension of the C-Class portfolio as "offering an exceptionally sporty way for car buyers to enter the world of Mercedes-Benz".

Featuring classic coupe proportions with some tasteful AMG bodystyling, this newcomer displays some delightfully compact proportions, a low silhouette, powerful shoulders and a narrow rear pillar catching the eye.

Typical coupe features include supportive sports front seats, a short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and a long roof while the front and rear views help to give the coupe a decidedly dynamic look with its road hugging appearance.

The wide positioning of the tail lights emphasises width while the AMG rear skirt between the exhaust system's tailpipe trim adds a distinct sporty quality.

But it was not only the outside treatment that caught the eye. Inside there is some very clever and attractive work by the Mercedes design teams with a dashboard which featured a high quality design.

Also to admire from the inside is the new generation three-spoke steering wheel with its chromed centre spoke, first seen on the larger Mercedes CLS coupe and, while the stepped top of the instrument cluster also accommodates the well thought out centre display, the surfaces of the controls have been neatly and finely detailed.

This two-door coupe proved nicely in tune with the entry and exit requirements of occupants front and rear and, although kneeroom in the back was perhaps a little limited, headroom was good and, with some 450 litres being available in the boot, luggage space can be increased via the foldable rear seats.

The C-Class Coupe features five models and the most economical is driven here, the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.

Paired with a six-speed manual transmission the 2.0-litre 170bhp diesel engine has an average fuel consumption of 55.4mpg while an effective stop/start system adds to its "green" credentials helping to deliver CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

From a standing start the 0-62mph signpost arrives in 8.4 seconds, en route to a top speed of 144mph and, with Mercedes agility control suspension as standard the C-Class Coupe delivers some fine road holding.

Well kitted out with the likes of eight-speaker sound system with six-disc CD changer, dual zone climate control, electrical front seat adjustment and dual stage airbags, plus driver safety items such as ESP with acceleration skid control, ABS braking with brake assist and parktronic assistance front and rear, this is a most handsome and very desirable coupe with a great deal to offer both private and business buyers.