If the neighbours don't notice the standard C-Class they sure as hell won't miss this limited edition. That's not the only bling that elevates the C-Class Sports Package to $59,990, before on roads and govt. charges.

No package is complete without a wheel change and the Sports Package includes unique alloys. The front are 225/45 R17 tyres on 7.5J x 17 twin spoke alloys and the rear 245/40 R 17 tyres on 8.5J x 17 wheels. The cabin features a combination of artico/fabic upholstery on the pews and includes a double cup holder and stowage compartment in the rear central armrest.

The C 200 Kompressor and the C 220 CDI turbo-diesel both have the Sports Package available. The big difference between the two is the grunt out of the oil burner, which boasts 400Nm of torque compared to 250 Nm from the 1.8 litre petrol in the C 200. Having said that the 135 kW supercharged four cylinder, while no dragster, does get up and boogie if the right foot is planted to the floor. Maximum torque hits the red line between 2800 – 5000 rpm, so it's easy to see why the car has long legs. But, that's not why you would buy the C 200 Kompressor.

Despite its modest pricing (For a German marque) the C-Class uses high quality plastics and the overall finish and fabrics give you a classy feel. For city driving the C-Class is big enough for families, but small enough to be easily parked in shopping centres and dropping off kids at school. With a tight turning circle of 10.8 metres, parking and turning in narrow streets is a breeze. Boot size is acceptable at 475 litres. The driving experience is one of no fuss. The car lends itself to stress-free motoring. Should you decide to 'push' the car, then it willingly obliges, and excels at the very basics of motoring – cornering, handling and braking.

Verdict: The Sports Package is excellent value and gives the C-Class individuality, given it is Mercedes-Benz's most popular vehicle.

MODEL RANGE

FEATURES

ABS Brakes: standard

Air Conditioning: standard

Automatic Transmission: standard

CD Player: standard

Central Locking: standard

Cruise Control: standard

Dual Front Airbags: standard

Front Side Airbags: standard, plus window and side airbags for rear passengers

Stability Control: standard

Traction Control: standard

SPECIFICATIONS ()

ENGINE: Petrol

Capacity: 1.796 litres

Configuration: Straight Four

Head Design: four valve per cylinder DOHC

Compression Ratio: 8.5: 1

Bore/Stroke: 82 mm x 85 mm

Maximum Power:135 kW @ 5500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 2800 – 5000 rpm

DRIVELINE:

Driven Wheels: Rear

Manual Transmission: Six Speed

Automatic Transmission: Five Speed

Final Drive Ratio: 0.838

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4581 mm

Wheelbase: 2760 mm

Width: 1770 mm

Height: 1444 mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1490 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 litres

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:

Front Suspension: Three link, coil springs, gas shock absorbers.

Rear Suspension: multi-link, coil springs, gas pressure shock absorbers

Front Brakes: Disc

Rear Brakes: Disc

PERFORMANCE:

0-100 km/h Acceleration: 8.6 seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Type: RON 95

Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 7.9 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:

Greenhouse Rating: 6.5 /10

Air Pollution Rating: 8.5 /10

STANDARD WARRANTY:

3 years/ unlimited km