The 300C hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it feels solidly built and comes with plenty of safety kit. All models get electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control, ABS and front and rear side airbags. Security-wise, there’s an alarm and remote central locking. Facelifted cars come with seat-mounted airbags that were added to the front (and side-curtain airbags to the rear) for increased driver and passenger safety.

The tailgate on the 300C is quirky, but effective. It’s shaped like an inverted ‘L’ (see gallery for details), so when opened means there’s plenty of headroom under the hatch. With the rear seats in place, there’s a decent amount of loadspace, enough for a couple of suitcases (630 litres). Fold them and there’s enough to make it a practical family holdall with up to 1602 litres on offer.

However the shape of the load bay limits practicality – the floor is high because of the extra storage underneath, but this would be better used as standard luggage space. Inside there’s a large glovebox and a number of small cubby holes and cupholders.