IT'S the Merc that puts the ‘C' in class act.

From its Claudia Schiffer drop-dead good looks to the diesel engine with a soundtrack Mozart would have loved - this is German design and engineering to die for.

The only thing slightly long-winded and clunky is the name as C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Saloon Sport hardly trips off the tongue.

Some sympathy has to be given to Mercedes though as there are rather a large number of qualities which the company obviously felt needed to be highlighted in the moniker - particularly after a mid-range makeover which saw more than 2,000 changes to the saloons and estates in Mercedes' top-selling range.

The saloon's delightful design captures your attention from the first moment you see the car as the pronounced arrow shape just begs to be driven.

The radiator grille is flush-fitted into the bonnet and bumper - almost completely filling the space between the headlamps.

The Sport model also has a large centrally-positioned Mercedes star supported by three high-gloss trim sections embellished with chrome. The company's decision to revert to a 50 year-old tradition leaves nobody in any doubt as to what you have spent your money on when you drive this baby home.

From the side the design is reflected in two basic elements - elegantly contoured surfaces and striking lines.

The muscular wheel arches are filled by substantial alloys and the rear is cute as a button.

I could quite happily go on about the exterior but the interior is equally as good. The figure-hugging seats are supportive and comfortable while the clearly laid out dashboard features instrument dials with a coupe feel to them.

Mercedes trumpets something called intelligent ergonomics which basically means they ensure the driver can access all the controls and see all the dials without directing undue attention from the road.

At the touch of a button the radio, telephone or navigation system can be switched on. A central control unit is available for all other control functions which can be rotated, pressed or tilted by the driver or front passenger to access more menus.

There are three trim levels, SE, Elegance and the Sport model I tested which comes with leather-covered steering wheel as well as front and rear parking sensors, climate and cruise controls, rain-sensing wipers plus Bluetooth connectivity and a raft of hi-tech gadgetry to keep you safe.

The CDI engine is a beauty striking a perfect balance between affordability, speed and pulling power.

Unlike most things in life this diesel sounds better as more pressure is put on it. A number of improvements have been made by Mercedes' engineers to lower the engine's fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions without removing the fun factor from the equation.

It's always nice to have an eco light that remains resolutely on as you accelerate through the gears.

The stop/start system helps further improves matters and is all part of a number of innovations that justify the environmentally-friendly BlueEFFICIENCY tag.

The handling and drive is as sporty as it comes with safety systems that prevent the car drifting out of its lane or into the path of an overtaking vehicle. Seven airbags are fitted, including one to protect the driver's knees, and there's also stability control.

The extensive changes ensure the C-Class should build on the one million-plus buyers who have purchased the current model since its launch four years ago.