Just when you made up your mind on buying the new CLS Shooting Brake, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pops out to rock your world. It introduces a new petrol engine and comes available with several trims, each ready to satisfy even the pickiest of customers.

The base model will be now known as the Executive SE and it will come in both, Saloon and Estate forms. The engine lineup will consist of the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Standard equipment on any of the Executive SE models includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights. Optionally, a Luxury Package add an even more sophisticated grille, 17" alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

The more interesting however, are the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus trims. The former adds 17" alloy wheels and halogen headlights while at the same time boast reduced emissions in comparison to the old 2012 C 220 CDI – 123g/CO2 which is 10g less than before. It doesn't sound much but bares some great tax relief consequences.. The AMG Sport Plus again picks up a notch on the size of the wheels bringing the number to 18" (bi-color AMG ones). You also get a pair of clever bi-Xenon front lights, some sports seats, red seat belts, AMG floor mats and paddles for the automatic models. If your AMG Sport Plus C-Class happens to be a Coupe, you also get an AMG trunk lip spoiler and an option to throw in an AMG Handling Package which enhances the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (2013)

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Although the name suggests a 1.8 engine, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY has a downsized 1.6-liter plant as a drivetrain. The focus here is on ultra-efficiency. It's a turbocharged petrol unit that outputs 154 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. All respectable figures but the real kicker is the consumption 47.9 mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (the Coupe returns 44.1 and 149g). All the while, Mercedes are dropping the 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine for the C-Class Saloon and Estate but the Coupe and the C 63 AMG models will still get it.

Source: Mercedes-Benz