Most drivers at one time or another hanker after a sports car, a slinky, good-looking, nice sounding coupe that oozes personality.

When you are young the choice is endless. Chances are that two seats will be plenty, lack of boot space will not be a major consideration and if the car happens to be bumpy, noisy and thirsty on fuel, well you are only young once.

Roll the odometer of age on a bit and while you still long for the style and cool looks, you might be looking for something a little classier, more practical and just simply more comfortable.

Mercedes-Benz, not a brand you associate instantly with sleek two-door coupes, spotted the opening and did their homework well, because their Sports Coupe has proved a winner.

Since it was first introduced in the UK four years ago, it has sold almost 200,000, with most buying a Merc for the first time.

Its latest incarnation is sharper looking still, while sharing the original's distinctive driving experience and superb handling.

Upfront the typical slatted radiator grille with the central Mercedes star and the striking headlamps mark the car as a sporty youngster.

Inside the cockpit has a new three-spoke steering wheel, which is highlighted by silver-coloured buttons with which the driver is able to operate the telephone, radio and central display, classy, chrome-rimmed high-quality instruments and automatic climate control as standard. Seats have raised side bolsters and the interior is decorated in aluminium trim.

A choice of three four-cylinder engines -- including two diesel direct-injection units -- and a V6 power the Sports Coup, ranging in power from 122 horsepower to 192 horsepower. The test model, the C 220 CDI has just had its power increased to 150 horsepower.

The competition in the compact coupe class is strong and for this sort of money you can have your pick from the sportiest models produced by BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and some Japanese stunners -- but only one comes with a three-pointed star as standard. And that still spells quality assured.