There is an indefinable sense of well-being generated when you sit behind the wheel of any Mercedes-Benz.

The understated exterior design and the solidity of the interior exudes a sense of sensible, solid engineering.

Above all the car carries an aura of history - even if the price tag might make you wince.

When the German car maker revamps a model as popular as the C-Class, you are not expecting seismic changes in either looks or feel. So you will not be disappointed with the reworking of the C-Class Estate.

With prices starting from £24,630, the new car is longer and wider than its predecessor, and uses three individual model lines, SE, Elegance and Sport.

Each places a differing emphasis on comfort and agility and they are distinguished by unique radiator grilles.

Three extended horizontal louvres and a large centrally positioned Mercedes star define Sport models which combine a luxury specification with first-class driving dynamics. Elegance models feature chrome highlights on the radiator grille which is finished in high-gloss paint.

The SE offers the same technical innovations, but in a deliberately more restrained and traditional package, and together with Elegance features a more executive design with a bonnet-mounted star.

Smooth, quiet and relaxed on the move, the C-Class Estate's all-important luggage capacity is bigger than before and one of the largest in the segment.

It also offers a host of handy features for easy loading and safe transportation 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 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 driven here is capable of 47.1 mpg - previously 41.5 mpg - enabling a single tank of fuel to potentially last for more than 600 miles.

Safety systems are up there with the best, including an advanced braking system, along with seven airbags and crash-responsive, whiplash-reducing, front head restraints all as standard.

During emergency or panic braking, a system called Pre-Safe pulls the seatbelts taut and starts to bring an unfavourably adjusted front passenger seat into a better position - provided the car is equipped with the electrically adjustable front passenger seat with memory function. No wonder you feel safe on board a Merc.

Auto facts Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI Estate SE

  • Price: £25,710
  • Ins group: 13E
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.1mpg
  • Top speed: 129mph
  • Length: 459.6cm/180.9in
  • Width: 177cm/69.7in
  • Luggage capacity: 17.1 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.5 gallons/66 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 157g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage