It's a gentle evolution for the new Mercedes C-Class. The German firm has sold over a million of them since 2007, so it has decided not to mess with the formula too much for this new version, due to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
But there are lots of worthwhile changes, particularly to the interior, which is much improved. Better fuel economy is a given and there's a host of new technology help the Merc to keep up with big rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The exterior changes are modest, and comprise tweaks to the headlights - which now look like those of the Mercedes SL coupé - some re-shaping of the bumpers and LEDs for the rear lights.
Inside, it has been totally re-designed. Put the current C-Class interior side-by-side with the latest version and you'll see how far Mercedes has gone. The central button stack is new, as is the dash cowl that covers both the instruments and new high-resolution information.
The outer air vents are circular, there's a new trim section above the glove box, and different materials.
Engines get a cleanup too - Mercedes is boasting of up to 31 percent efficiency improvements across the range. The least powerful C 200 CDI diesel, with 134bhp, returns 58.8mpg, as does the 201bhp C 250 CDI.
Petrol engines have between 154- and 302bhp and return fuel economy in the mid 40s, while all cars come with start/stop engine technology to prevent fuel wastage at traffic lights.
Technology and safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, blind spot assistance and lane keeping assistance.
