THE new quadra-headlamped face of Mercedes-Benz's C-class - to be launched in September in saloon format and promising a host of class-leading technological features - has been revealed. Pictures released by the German manufacturer show styling cues from S and E-class and a sporty, wedge-shaped body for the new rival to Rover 75, BMW 3-series and Saab 9-3. An estate version will follow.

The range has been four years in development and while full details and prices are being kept under wraps, there will be seven new or enhanced engines delivering up to 20% more power and up to 43% more torque than their outgoing counterparts. A 2.0-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine will be offered in a C200 Kompressor model. The current entry price to C-class is £20,375 for the C180. The outgoing oil-burning option, a 2.5-litre turbodiesel, will be replaced by the C270 common rail unit, which is 13% more powerful and 14% more fuel efficient.

Electronic stability control (EPS) will be standard across C-class, along with curtain airbags and adaptive airbags for driver and passenger. A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz said: 'The new C-class will be a technological trailblazer in its segment.' Trims will be Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde and with the exception of the C320, all models will have as standard a newly developed six-speed manual transmission. The range-topper will have a five-speed electronic auto. AMG sports body kits will be offered.