C is for capacity

Highlight of its attributes is the ability to hold 485 litres in normal use and up to a maximum of 1,500 litres depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seat, giving it a larger load capacity than any other premium-class estate in its market segment.

The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres - that is an increase of 66 litres compared to the previous model and between 50 and 100 litres more than other premium estate models in this class.

The maximum utilisable interior length is a whole 2.82 metres, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell - 17 cm more than previously.

Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can be found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net.

An optional EASY-PACK load-securing kit presents drivers with even more possibilities for both partitioning the load compartment - that measures around 1.80 metres long and up to 1.20 metres wide - and for securing the load being carried.

The new C Class Estate also offers a host of handy features for easy loading and safe transportation including a tailgate which opens and closes automatically at the push of a button.

For those who want to tow with this vehicle it has a class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800 kg and self-levelling suspension that is optionally available which keeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load it is carrying.

With brand new or redeveloped engines under the bonnet offering greater power and torque, the C-Class Estate consumes up to 12 per cent less fuel than previously.

The four-cylinder power units were the focus of the development work: in the case of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 KOMPRESSOR petrol models Mercedes-Benz modified the engine management and fitted a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons to boost output by 13bhp and 20bhp respectively.

At the same time, the fuel consumption figures for the two models were cut by as much as 10.3 per cent to 36.7 and 36.2 mpg.

Mercedes-Benz has given its four-cylinder diesel engines a thorough overhaul making improvements not only to the injection system, the turbocharger and the intercooler but to more than 90 other components too.

The upshot is engines delivering more power and higher torque, combined with fuel consumption that is around 12 per cent lower. The new C 220 CDI now has an output of 170bhp (previously 150bhp). Fuel consumption on the driving cycle comes in at 46.3 mpg (previously 40.9 mpg).

In the new C 200 CDI, power has been upped by 11 per cent (136bhp instead of 122bhp) and fuel consumption is 47.1 mpg (previously 41.5 mpg).

In the six-cylinder engine range, there will be a choice of three petrol units developing 204bhp, 231bhp and 272bhp, as well as the new C 320 CDI with an output of 224bhp.

With the exception of the C 350, all engine variants are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The C 350 is partnered by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

To cope with varying loads and driving conditions, Mercedes-Benz fits adjustable shock absorbers as part of the AGILITY CONTROL package.

A steering system that is six per cent more direct and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission also form part of the AGILITY CONTROL package.

Kitting out the new estate with the AMG sports package adds a sports suspension with shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification, along with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15 mm.

The new estate will be offered in a choice of three models; SE, ELEGANCE and SPORT.

The SPORT line features a Mercedes star in the centre of the radiator grille that emphasises its sporty, agile nature.

In the ELEGANCE model, a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish accentuates other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury. The SE model, meanwhile, is deliberately more restrained and traditional.