IT'S MAGIC ... Mercedes has pulled off a seemingly impossible trick by adding a new model to its C-Class range while at the same time slashing the number of variants of its premium compact model by more than half.

When the latest C-Class range was originally launched there were no fewer than 47 variants with a choice of seven engines and three model lines. Now the German maker has made 28 of them disappear, leaving a 2014 line-up of just 19 available in two trim levels and with four engines on offer.

The newcomer to the range is the AMG Sport Edition which replaces the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus model lines and is available with saloon, estate and coupé bodywork.

It retains the AMG bodystyling, steering wheel, alloy wheels and 15mm lower sports suspension of the outgoing AMG Sport model, but the saloon and coupe gain an AMG boot lid spoiler while all three versions come with dark-tinted headlamps and a high-gloss black grille to enhance visual appeal.

Inside, the new model is fitted with AMG Sport Plus seats upholstered in black with blue/grey contrast stitching and the saloon gets the split folding rear seats which were already a standard feature of the estate and coupé. In addition to the dark brushed aluminium trim, the gear shift gaiter also now has grey contrast stitching, as does the door panel trim.

It's available with C 220 CDI and C 250 CDI engines from £30,170 for the saloon, £31,370 for the estate and £32,455 for the coupé. When the AMG Sport Edition is fitted with the optional 18-inch seven-spoke AMG alloy wheels at £300, it represents a £1,500 saving versus the outgoing AMG Sport Plus model, which was priced at £3,000 above the Executive SE model line.

In addition, there are two optional packages. The £1,595 Premium Package includes COMAND Online with Media Interface, reversing camera, heated front seats, a lighting package and DAB digital radio while at £2,495 the Premium Plus Package offers up to a 45 per cent saving on individual options and has the same features as the Premium pack, plus a panoramic glass sunroof.