Mercedes uncorks refined C-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz C Class packs tech tricks previously reserved for the E and S Class. Photo / Supplied

The popular series gets an overhaul with a choice of engines, new transmission and stylish interior

The revamped C-Class bristles with electronic technology incorporated from the E- and S-Classes.

Here's a cryptic quiz on the newest Mercedes-Benz; see if you can work it out: C, 2000, 2x4, and 7.

They are the keys to improvements to one of the German carmaker's most popular products. C stands for the C-Class that, with its predecessor the 190 Series, has accounted for more than 8.5 million units of Mercedes-Benz production.

The 2000 refers to the number of new parts said to have been incorporated into what Mercedes is calling a facelift but is nevertheless keen to make known that it is way more than a light once-over.

The 2x4 stands for a choice of two four-cylinder diesel engines, when previously there was just one. A 3-litre six-cylinder diesel is also in the line-up along with three petrol engines - a pair of 1.8-litres and a 3.5-litre.

And 7 is for the company's well-reviewed 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission that's good for both performance and keeping fuel consumption down. The transmission is standard across the C-Class range, replacing a five-speed.

Beyond those bare bones, the C-Class emerges with loads of new electronic technology, much of which has filtered down from the larger and more expensive E- and S-Classes.

There's even internet access in case you want to surf while gridlocked, and a hard drive that can hold more than 3000 tunes.

Driven is just back from the car's Australasian launch in rolling wine country north of Melbourne.

Changes have been made to exterior styling, including new lights and bumpers and different wheel designs. An aluminium bonnet and guards help reduce weight.

The previously rather bland interior has been revised so it now looks something like a small E-Class. Unfortunately, the foot-operated parking brake did not get the chop.

The two smaller-capacity 2.1-litre turbodiesels replace the well-regarded 220 CDi engine and will be key components of Mercedes' plans to widen the C-Class' appeal.

The single-turbo version in the C 200 CDi produces 100kW of power and 330Nm of torque. It uses 5.4 litres/100km overall and emits 143 grams of CO2 a kilometre, well below what was once the Government's target of 170g/km by 2015.

The gutsier C 250 CDi engine uses a pair of sequential turbochargers for 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Despite the greater output, its fuel consumption is slightly less at 5.1 litres overall and it knocks the CO2 down to 134g/km.

Completing the diesel line-up is a 3-litre six-cylinder 195kW, 620Nm turbo that uses 6.1 litres/100km overall and produces 160g/km of CO2. Those fuel economy figures match or beat a typical Japanese economy car. Yet the thrifty Cs offer anything but econocar performance.

The C 200 does the 0-100km/h run in less than 10 seconds, the C 250 storms it in a fraction over seven seconds and the 350 does it in six seconds flat.

Petrol alternatives comprise the 135kW C200 CGI and 150kW C250 fours and the 185kW C300 3.5-litre six- cylinder. Good fuel economy is carried over to the petrol range, the thirstiest - the C300 - using 8.3 litres per 100km overall.

To save fuel, the diesel cars switch themselves off when stopped at, say, traffic lights. The engine restarts when the accelerator is pushed, a gear engaged or the steering wheel turned.