AFTER six years as the top selling Mercedes in Britain the current C-Class is bowing out with a flourish.

A high specification version that's brimming with equipment has just been released in the run up to the arrival of an all new model in the summer.

Priced from £31,795 the C220 CDI AMG Sport Edition comes with plenty of kit including sports styling, dual zone climate control and a full set of safety systems.

Add an online communications pack, a twin screen panoramic sunroof and a full colour reversing camera display as fitted to the version we drove and it tips the scales at just less than £34,500.

The new C220 replaces the range topping Sport Plus model and taking the additional specification into account Mercedes says it adds up to a bonus of around £2,000.

It's powered by a super-efficient 2.1-litre diesel engine which delivers plenty of performance and is capable of averaging more than 64mpg with emissions of 131g/km.

This is the engine which has defined the most recent C-Class and it has a justifiable reputation.

Developing 170hp and mated to a seven speed automatic gearbox it has a knack of delivering a sporty and refined drive while being acceptably economical.

We managed 45 to the gallon during some brisk motoring and while motorway cruising mid 50s is easily achievable.

Dynamically the C-Class has always been impressive and although its underpinnings may come from the last decade it is still up with the best.

On the road it is responsive and sporty - a real driver's delight - and the latest Sport Edition has lowered suspension and adaptive dampers which add to its characteristics.

So does a nice balance to the speed sensitive steering. Move the transmission into sports setting and there's some real bit to the car and being a diesel there is plenty of mid-range clout.

The Sport Edition comes with Mercedes' leather-effect Artico upholstery and the interior finish is spot on. Even though this particular car came with a black head lining the effect was not overbearing, all helped by the twin section glass roof and for some Mercedes purists black is the only colour for such trim.

With sports seats in the front and a good amount of legroom in the rear the cabin is comfortable all round and there's more than adequate storage in the shape of a fold down armrest cum cupholder in the back as well as underseat bucket compartments in the front,

The colour display screen dominates the centre of the dashboard which is quite angular and from a design perspective is showing its age.

The new C-Class, due for release in June, has a much more contemporary interior and the new look Mercedes dash - as seen on the latest A and B-Class models - is state of the art and classy.

Outside the C200 still looks the part - and that's testimony to the original design.

With some AMG body tweaks, including a subtle boot spoiler and other aerodynamic features, it has quite a poise. And AMG being the performance arm of Mercedes they know a trick or two about sporty stance.

As is the case with many a run out model, the best has been saved for last and pound for pound the C220 Sport Edition is a veritable bargain among Mercedes saloons.