Mercedes also offer a newly developed system which recognises individual driving styles and adapts the drive characteristics of the engine accordingly. For those that fancy themselves as racing drivers the car provides excellent accelerator response while, on the other hand, if its computer recognises that the driver is looking for comfort rather than outright performance, it automatically adapts the car's reactions for a more sedate ride. This is done by constantly monitoring the pedal movements so that, while pedal travel may remain the same, the throttle valve is opened further for the quick driver than would otherwise be the case. The engine therefore reacts faster to driver input and is quicker to provide maximum acceleration. (Or so I gather!)

Secondly, there is an anti-perforation warranty against corrosion from the inside out on all body panels, also valid for 30 years and transferable to the vehicle's subsequent owners. To maintain the benefits the only requirement is that the car must have been serviced and any body repairs carried out by a Mercedes-Benz Dealer within the past two years.

The C-Class comes in a wide variety of forms ranging from the C180 at an on-the-road price of £19,995, through the 5/6 cylinder models C240 and C270 at between £24,540 and £29,850, to the AMG version at £43,790. And the AMG model is well worth a mention. With a maximum speed limited by the manufacturer to 155 mph, and a 0 - 62.5 mph figure of just 5.2 seconds - not to mention a massive power output of 354hp - the car moves like a rocket. If you see one coming, better step aside, as the old song says.

I would thoroughly recommend that you go along to Woking Motors in Esher Road, Walton-on-Thames to see the range for yourself. My thanks to marketing manager James Costin for giving me the opportunity to dream for a while.