The C-Class is no longer a junior E-Class. Mercedes will emphasize the differences between sporty and traditional versions of the new W204 C and will put more distance between all C-Classes and the E-Class.

Looking far less stodgy than the outgoing model, its styling evokes the wedgy overall shape and prominent wheel arches of its larger siblings. Even better, the new C-Class weighs no more than the outgoing vehicle, despite additional content and greater use of more high-strength steel in the body structure, which is said to be some 13 percent stiffer than the previous sedan.

To help widen the car's appeal (read: try to capture some of the youth market owned by the almighty BMW 3 Series and upstart Audi A4), the C-Class is offered in two models: Luxury and Sport, each with distinctive front-end treatments, trim levels, and suspension tuning.

With the introduction of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes has logically sought to further differentiate its entry-level model from its upscale cousin, the E-Class. What might seem a bit surprising, however, is that Mercedes has also chosen to differentiate the C-Class from itself.

The overall styling of the new C-Class features taut bodywork, similar in style to the S-Class. Slightly flared fenders and a crease that runs up the side of the sedan make for a sportier appearance and distinguishes it from its Benz bretheren.

The new C-Class uses front strut suspension with two lower-arms, and a multi-link rear axle - familiar Benz principles.

The C-class is the best selling Mercedes-Benz, so an all-new car is a big deal for the manufacturer. The new C-class is available as a C300, C350, or the AMG-tuned C63. The C300 is available with two distinct front end treatments - the Luxury has a traditional Mercedes grille and upright hood star, the Sport has a more aggressive front fascia and a grille with an integrated logo. The C300's 3.0-liter V-6 can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission, and produces 228 hp and 221 lb.-ft. The C350 Sport is, ironically, automatic-only, and its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. If you're brave enough to climb into the C63 AMG, you'll have 451 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque available from a 6.2-liter V-8.

Intended to snare more youthful drivers away from other luxury makes, the new C350 Sport departs from the staid C-Class image while retaining all the high-end features one would expect from Mercedes.

Out on the highway, the crosswinds are vicious. But the C-Class is not just composed, it's silent as a library. The apocalypse could be going on outside and it would feel like you were watching it on the big screen, from the comfort of standard eight-way electrically adjustable seats.

The new C-Class comes in two flavors: Sport and Luxury. Both cars have the same underpinnings-it's just the way they're tuned that makes the difference.

The traditional Mercedes-Benz customer should not be disappointed. The C-Class is well put together.

The AVANTGARDE version of the new C-Class Estate emphasises the brand's sporty side without sacrificing that characteristic Mercedes comfort.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class brings all-new versions of these entry-luxury sedans. Longer and wider than last year's models, they accommodate four or five occupants with much more interior room than before. They also offer improved performance and better fuel economy than last year's models.

The C-Class comes in two distinctive personalities: Sport and Luxury. Each gets its own exterior styling and interior design.

The 2008 C-Class is now much closer in size, looks, and behavior to the larger E-Class, yet with a lighter touch and feel all its own.

The new C-Class is wider and longer than the outgoing model, a tauter, sportier design, addressing complaints that it was just too small for many Americans.

Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has larger deformation zones and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact zones, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area around the passenger cell.

The new C-Class is altogether sharper, more precise, and quicker in terms of handling and steering.

The steering of the new C-Class is more direct than the previous model's.