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 boot is huge (see gallery), wide, deep and more than capable of swallowing a family’s luggage. However on paper, its 504 litres of space makes it smaller than alternatives like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. The load lip is also quite high off the ground, so loading heavy or bulky items can prove difficult. On the plus side there’s plenty of stowage inside including a large glovebox and a number of cubby holes and cupholders.