THE oldest car maker in the world proves its in step with modern trends in the shape of the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon.

Over 30 years ago, the German car maker decided to bring its values and virtues into the medium sector with what was the first C-Class and now the fifth generation is about to make its mark.

It is a significant 100kg lighter than the model it replaces and fitted with the newest petrol and diesel engines fuel consumption is down as much 20 per cent while emissions are slashed as well, which instantly widens its appeal to business and fleet users who are expected to take a bigger slice of sales than before. 

At launch this month there are C220 and C250 diesels as well as C200 petrol saloon and by the end of 2014 there will also be C300 diesel and a C300 diesel hybrid versions.

The range will grow with a new estate as well as coupe in due course, mirroring the current models.

There is now more aluminium used in the body, it's almost half now, and despite weighing just 10kg each, the doors still shut with a familiar Mercedes solidity.

Inside you are surrounded by an extremely stylish piano black interior with bright detail highlights and high quality materials.

Many details have been brought over from the flagship Mercedes S-Class and that will include the availability of the hybrid with diesel and electric motors this autumn.

Petrol engines have third generation direct injection and the diesels use spray-guided multiple injection for added efficiency. There are two new six-speed gearboxes available matched tothe  power outputs and the 7G-Tronic automatic is further refined.

A new four-link front suspension improves handling while the rear multi-link aids ride and stability and for the first time in this class of car you can specify self-levelling air suspension.

Mercedes engineers have developed their own touch-pad which will  respond to handwriting in any language and head-up display for the driver. 

The air conditioning system inside the new C-Class includes the ability to detect tunnels and stop bad air entering as well as providing fragrances which smell pleasant but do not permeate clothing. 

Initially there will be three trims, SE, Sport for another £2,000 and AMG Line at an additional £1,500 over the Sport.

Prices are from £26,855 to £34,355.

On the road the new C220 Sport does everything a larger Mercedes does but is more agile and importantly, more affordable, than its stablemates.

The powertrain is well matched to deliver strong acceleration throughout, to cruise quietly and to sip fuel. I averaged a whisker over 50mpg in the C220 and in the more powerful and responsive C250 it dipped to 32.4mpg. 

The car rides very well and with the selectable settings it is firm or downright fun, handles confidently and turns tightly.

I would have liked still more rear seat legroom despite the fact it is a longer wheelbase than the previous series, but in front it is roomy and very comfortable. Bootspace can be a bit tight for four cases but oddments room is very good.

There are two types of navigation system available and the less expensive one on the car I sampled was out of date regarding speed limits and even took me on a weird diversion for no visible reason.  But at least I could enjoy a bit more time behind the wheel of what is probably the best C-Class so far.