MERCEDES-BENZ'S best selling model, the C-Class, has grown - in more ways than one.

Not only is the latest version of the popular saloon longer and wider but it now has more dramatic, more dynamic styling plus a more up-market image which stands out far more than its predecessor.

Combine those features with the new ultra modern glamorous interior and better fuel consumption and it's not hard to predict that the new version will ensure the model holds on to its best selling title.

In terms of statistics the new car is 95mm longer and 40mm wider than the model it has replaced and most of the additional space has gone to benefit rear seat passengers who now get a generous amount of legroom.

The growth in length and width means the new car now looks almost as big as the model above it - the E-Class - and could even persuade some Mercedes aficionados to trade down.

The front end styling with its low apron, deep set air vents and swept back headlights all set around the enlarged Mercedes-Benz three pointed star symbol is certainly eye catching, as is the rear with its twin exhausts set into a chrome panel at the base of the bodywork.

Step inside and the new modern interior is stunning. The long centre console in a piano black finish sweeps dramatically forward to merge with the deep, curvy dashboard with its business-like leather and aluminium finish.

Set into the console are two switches, one for altering the volume of the radio and the other for changing the driving characteristics of the car, but unusually these are roller switches in an etched metal finish. The console switch means you can set the car to comfort, sport, sport plus, eco or even your own individual setting.

The C250 has a seven-speed automatic gearbox with a column change gear shift, and adjacent to it are paddles for changing gear manually.

On the road the gearbox works seamlessly and there is instant response to any kick down on the accelerator.

With a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 6.6 seconds the power from this 2.2-litre diesel is impressive, helped by the fact that there has been a massive weight reduction thanks to the use of 50 per cent aluminium compared to 10 per cent on the previous C-Class.

That weight saving means fuel consumption has been cut by up to 20 per cent and ensures the handling is light and agile. On the negative side, however, I did find the diesel engine - particularly under power - far noisier than I would have expected.

The C250 comes with an impressive range of features as standard, including a head up display so you don't have to take your eyes of the road to know what speed you are doing or which direction the sat nav is telling you to turn.

Then there's the innovative touch pad which acts like a computer mouse for accessing numerous features via the centre mounted touch screen but is operated using finger gestures like on a smart phone.

And there is still that one feature I love about any Mercedes - its turning circle. Suffice it to say that in the close where I live you have to do a three-point turn with every car I get except a Mercedes.

It's that feature which means that despite their size they are always the best of the best when it comes to manoeuvring and parking.