GOOD news comes in threes for C-Class drivers from Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone. Hot on the heels of new added value special equipment packages, comes a top mark award from European safety chiefs and a new breed of twinpulse petrol engines.

Latest European NCAP crash test results confirm the C-Class saloon as one of the safest on the road. It received a maximum five-star rating from inspectors and also became the world's first car to meet the programme's seat belt reminder requirements.

Paul Clifton, sales manager, said: "The high rating endorses the innovative safety concept behind the C-Class. Drivers not only have the reassurance of segment-leading safety, but also a vehicle that is one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly in its category, thanks to new twinpulse engines."

The latest supercharged power units combine the performance and low-noise characteristics of a six-cylinder engine in an economical four-cylinder package. The entry-level C180 Kompressor returns 33.6 mpg in the combined cycle — 11 per cent better than its predecessor.