HOT on the heels of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon comes the new C-Class Estate range, combining the same qualities of safety, agility and comfort with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility.

As well as a luggage capacity of up to 1,500 litres - giving it one of the largest load compartments in the segment - it also offers a host of handy features for easy loading including, as standard, an automatic-powered tailgate, which opens and closes at the push of a button.

There are eight engines to choose from, which the firm says have been extensively reworked to boost power output by a considerable margin and to improve fuel economy by as much as 12 per cent. The C 200 CDI for example is capable of 47.1 mpg (previously 41.5 mpg), enabling a single tank of fuel (66 litres) to last for more than 600 miles on the combined cycle.

On-the-road prices start from £24,630 for the C 180 Kompressor SE, rising to £37,205 for the C 350 Sport. Mercedes says the car blazes a trail in terms of safety, with innovations such as Pre-Safe and the Adaptive Brake system, along with seven airbags and crash-responsive front head restraints all part of the standard specification. The saloon model was recently awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The new C-Class Estate adopts the saloon's three individual model lines, SE, Elegance and Sport, which place differing emphasis on comfort and agility and which are distinguished by unique radiator grilles. Three extended horizontal louvres and a large centrally positioned Mercedes star define Sport models.