MERCEDES-BENZ is hitting the heights with the latest C-Class, so the only place to take it for a spin was the Peak District.

The picturesque landscape and the C250 BlueTEC AMG Line saloon share the quality of being a treat for the eyes while the journey, made up of motorways and twisting roads through stunning countryside, was ideal to showcase the smooth ride and nimble handling.

It is a treat to drive as the 2.1-litre diesel engine - linked to a slick-shifting super smooth seven-speed automatic transmission - provides instant power on tap with swift acceleration that makes overtaking a must.

It's not performance at a price though as the BlueTEC in the car's title refers to some fancy electronics and a stop-start system that allows wallet-friendly fuel consumption figures and emissions to be achieved.

Coupled with a luxurious interior and all mod cons, the competition in the compact executive sector is being given plenty to think about.

When it comes to executive motors looks are key in the company car park and the latest C-Class is right on the money - inspired by its S-Class big brother. There are plenty of neat details with AMG bodystyling, sides which are suitably sculpted, swept-back headlamps, quad exhaust layout and 18-inch AMG alloys all guaranteeing kerb appeal.

Available in three trims - SE, Sport and the AMG Line model I drove - prices start at £26,855 topping out at £31,845. It's slightly more expensive than before but lots of extra goodies have been thrown in by Mercedes making the lastest C-Class actually better value.

The modern and upmarket cabin offers plenty of space for all occupants and is fitted out with artificial leather upholstery and a neat dashboard. There are also heated front seats, DAB radio, aluminium door trims and cruise control.

Upgrade with the £2,795 Premium Plus package and you gain access to keyless-go, a Burmester stereo, panoramic glass roof, ambient cabin lighting and the COMAND sat-nav controller that features a huge 8.4-inch tablet-style screen in place of the standard seven-inch display.

Also included was a £350 Air Balance Pack, which adds a fragrance dispenser to the climate control ensuring a sweet-smelling atmosphere.

It is all beautifully designed with eyeball air vents and ebony trim inserts ensuring a luxury feel. The air con controls are also good looking and feature a tactile metal finish while power seat adjusters located on the front doors are a further highlight. There's also a leather multifunction steering wheel which is well set out and is a pleasure to hold.

A number of innovations for the C-Class include a touchpad control, allowing you to swipe through the system menus or input directions for the navigation and phone, and a multi-mode drive control switching the car from its normal ride and performance settings to sporty or eco driving. The latter is part of the £895 AirMATIC Agility Package that also includes an air suspension.

An anti-collision system, a driver tiredness monitor and seven airbags are standard issue while the car I drove had the optional £825 head up display - showing driver-related information such as vehicle speed on the windscreen - which is a nifty addition.

Also fitted was the £2,300 Driver Assistance Package which brings adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and lane departure assist into a safety mix that is already pretty extensive.

There's plenty of space in the 480-litre boot for the golf clubs, trolley and your overnight bags while the cabin offers good storage solutions including a lidded cubby hole between the front seats while two cup-holders are situated in the rear armrest.