Although the BLS Wagon hasn’t undergone any official independent crash tests, the Saab 9-3 on which it is based scored very well, so we have no doubt as to its ability to protect occupants in a crash. It comes with all the features you’d expect in this sort of car, such as six airbags, active headrests to lessen the risk of whiplash injuries for front passengers plus seatbelt pre-tensioners that tighten in the event of an accident.

Load carrying isn’t always a huge priority in a smaller premium estate car, and the BLS offers a fairly average 419 litres up to window height with the rear seats in place – with 1285 litres (including 12 litres’ storage under the boot floor) in total. A BMW 3-Series Touring or a Honda Accord Touring would have greater carrying capacity, but the Cadillac is adequate and should be useful enough for most owners, however the rear seats don’t quite fold flat.