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Mercedes has unveiled details of its all-new, high-tech C-Class which is to hit the forecourts in the summer.

Targeting the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class will be available as a choice of three models – the entry level SE, mid-range Elegance and Sport.

Improvements on the previous model – which sold 1.6 million units worldwide since 2000 – include new suspension, advanced brake lights and a range of more powerful engines.

Agility Control suspension ensures cornering is 10 per cent flatter than the previous model with steering six per cent more direct.

Engine power has increased by up to 13 per cent with the Merc’s supercharged four-cylinder engines – with the entry-level C180 and C200 boosted from 143bhp and 164bhp to 156bhp and 184bhp respectively. Fuel consumption has also been improved and all models fitted with six-speed manual gearboxes.

The V6 engines on the higher spec models remain unchanged, but the C280, C320 and C350 boast the world’s only seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Mercedes’ adaptive brake lights flash rapidly at speeds when braking hard in excess of 30mph to help prevent rear-end collisions and even quicker at 70mph.

The Intelligent Light System also arrives on the C-Class, where its bi-xenon headlamps adapt to the situation – lighting up a wider area on country roads and improving long range visibility on the motorway.

Flashy options include Mercedes COMAND system which features Bluetooth mobile connection, DVD player, music system with a four gigabyte memory and the Linguatronic sat-nav - which enables drivers to say the name of a destination and the computer will pick it up.
 
And for those looking for a 450bhp super-quick model, keep an eye out for the M3-rivalling C63 AMG – to be announced later this year.

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