Following on from the new C-Class saloon, this estate variant boasts more space, technology and refinement than its predecessor, says Iain Dooley, of the Press Association.

What's new?

Converting a saloon into an estate car is a little more difficult than just bolting a box on the back. This Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate presents an elegant, streamlined profile while boasting class-leading space and improved versatility over the car it replaces.

Away from the car's ample rear, it offers the same high-quality ownership experience as the saloon. The result is something akin to that of a scaled-down S-Class, what with the plush cabin, high-quality materials, the wide range of clever entertainment and safety kit available and an obvious bias towards ride comfort and refinement.

Looks and image

It's not just you thinking that the new C-Class looks like a mini S-Class. The former's curvaceous exterior blends sweeping lines with a wide, purposeful stance – just like its much bigger brother. UK buyers might mourn the absence of the traditional three-pointed star on the bonnet in favour of Mercedes' more contemporary alternative, but the overall result is a graceful-looking compact executive estate.

Space and practicality

You want space? You've got plenty of space with the C-Class Estate. Mercedes bosses are boasting of a class-busting 1,510 litres with the rear seats down and 490 litres with the seats up. Furthermore, they split in a more practical 40/20/40 arrangement. A powered tailgate and rails to keep your belongings from crashing around in the boot all help boost the car's practicality. Up front there's ample room for occupants plus there's a good level of oddment space for busy families.

Behind the wheel

With its clear bias towards comfort and refinement, the C-Class Estate offers a plush cabin, low levels of wind and road noise plus a polished ride capable of dealing with the worst roads you can find. Perfect for company executives and private owners racking up the miles, the core C-Class range has a major diesel slant. The likely best-selling C220 diesel is complimented by the more powerful C250 model tested here.

In this 204hp guise the car offers brisk performance while the standard fit seven-speed automatic gearbox does much to take the edge of stop-start commuting and contribute towards supermini levels of fuel economy and emissions. Refinement is also a notch above the 220 oil-burner as the extra 30-odd horsepower ensure you're not having to push it as hard. Overall it's a smooth operator, and the first-in-class option of air suspension makes sure the car remains composed whatever you throw in the back.

Value for money

Mercedes is a premium brand for a reason – its cars boast an above-average cabin ambience, while more recently the firm has focused increasingly on developing hi-tech intelligent safety systems. This all costs money, but even the low-spec C-Class models look good in the metal. Furthermore, all cars are surprisingly economical – the diesels especially so – allowing you to make genuine savings all year round.

Who would buy one?

If you're the type keen to mix refinement with practicality, a premium-spec estate car like the C-Class would be a smart choice. Especially so if you're not a fan of bulky people-carriers or don't need the go-anyway attributes of a lofty 4x4. Despite its carrying capabilities, the C-Class estate retains a relatively modest footprint, allowing you to easily navigate supermarket car parks.

This car summed up in a single word – elegant.