What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz UK has announced sweeping changes to the C-Class line-up, an altered choice of trim levels and a more efficient entry-level engine. These have led to improvements in predicted residual values and reduced Benefit in Kind (BIK).

Buyers of the C-Class Estate or saloon now choose between Executive SE, AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus, or just the latter two if you're looking at the two-door C-Class Coupé.

Exterior

The entry-level Executive SE model comes with a 'sports' grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. Specify the Luxury Package on top (for £2,000) and the wheels are upgraded to a seven-spoke 17-inch design, the grille design is changed, chrome detailing added and the door mirrors fold electrically.

Previously Mercedes-Benz offered the Sport trim, but that's replaced by the considerably cheaper AMG Sport line and the slightly dearer AMG Sport Plus model. The former is distinguished by 17-inch AMG rims and halogen headlights. The Sport Plus (an extra £1,000) features 18-inch alloy wheels and bi-Xenon lights with a load of other functions built in. On the Coupé, the Sport Plus version also gains a lip spoiler at the rear.

Interior

All models have tweaks to the switchgear, including repositioned cruise control and indicator stalks, new graphics and the integration of eCall emergency calling into the Comand infotainment system.

In the Executive SE, Artico upholstery is standard. The Luxury Package adds an automatically dimming rear view mirror, a storage package and some matt-finish Ash wood trim. The Sport Plus model has AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery with contrast red stitching, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles for the automatic gearbox - that applies to saloon, Estate and Coupé.

Mechanicals

The biggest news mechanically is the addition of a new entry-level petrol engine for the C 180 'BlueEfficiency' model. It's a 1.6-litre unit featuring direct injection and turbocharging. Power is down a fraction on its predecessor at 154hp at 5,000rpm, though the same 250Nm of torque is available from 1,250- to 4,000rpm. The C 180 saloon and Estate return 47.9mpg and emissions of 138- and 139g/km respectively. The Coupé's figures are 44.1mpg and 149g/km.

Anything else?

Pricing starts from £25,915 for the C 180 saloon, while the C 63 AMG variants are unchanged by the revisions mentioned above. A resale value increase is predicted for the new entry-level model, while BIK reductions vary across the line-up.

Shane O' Donoghue - 30 Jul 2012