While the car is technically similar to the saloon version, it is larger all round with an 80mm longer wheelbase within a body 96mm longer (4702mm) and 40mm wider (1810mm) than previously.

This increase in space is claimed to give 45mm more legroom and more shoulder, elbow and headroom than before. Load compartment capacity at 1510 litres is now 10 litres larger and the load volume behind the rear seats has been increased by five litres to 490 litres.

Rear seats now have a 40:20:40 split instead of the previous 60:40 arrangement. This allows for more seat configurations, either as a five, four, three or two-seater layout. Rear-seat backrests can be unlocked and folded electrically at the push of a button to create an enlarged, level load compartment.

The range comprises five diesel and four petrol versions. Diesel models (all with BlueTEC) begin with a C180 driven by a 1598cc, 116bhp engine with Band A4 road tax of €200pa and a price tag of €39,860, before delivery charges.

Petrol versions begin with a 1595cc, 156bhp C180 with B1 road tax of €270 and a price of €39,450. Included in the range is a C300 Hybrid diesel with Band A2 annual road tax of €180 and a price of €51,120.