MAKEOVER FOR MERCEDES.(Features)

Byline: Peter Hayward

It''s not really a new model but when the latest Mercedes C-class gets into the showrooms in March it will see a huge number of changes over the present car.

Surprisingly, it's the largest selling car in the company's range - you would think the little A/B-Class cars would do better - and as such is hugely important for the company.

The revised model will have no less than 10 new safety systems - the mind boggles - and the existing range of engines have been improved to give up to 31% better economy.

A new generation of telematics should give better phone and Internet access.

And both front and rear of the car will have a complete makeover, which includes LED day running lights.

I hope though, that they have dimmed the rear LED brake lights, which on some existing cars, are so bright at night as to be dangerously dazzling for other road users.

The proof will be in the driving. We shall see.

Interior As for features inside the cabin, there is a new dashboard which includes a high-resolution colour display, the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system will be standard across the range and all models will have start/stop to save fuel and emissions in traffic.

Options will include the Distronic Plus radar proximity control, which brakes automatically when you get too close to the car in front on the motorway.

FAST FACTS Mercedes-Benz C-Class Price: pounds 25,000 Mechanical: 160bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 140mph 0-62mph: 9 seconds Combined mpg: 45 Insurance group: 12 CO2 emissions: 150g/km BIK rating: 15% Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles Marks: 9/10 Main rival: BMW 3-Series

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Mercedes garage at Bocam Park Pencoed Bridgend Mercedes-Benz C-Class