Considering its size, the 74.3mpg economy means for Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate running costs the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid is hard to beat when it comes to spending money at the fuel pumps. This diesel hybrid is surprisingly good to drive too, though its worth noting the battery is tiny so those expecting to spend much time driving on pure electric mode will likely end up disappointed after just a handful of miles.

It also emits less than 100g/km, so for now VED bills are non-existent for these drivers. However, if you take into account purchase price, the C220 BlueTEC might be a good shout, thanks to its 108g/km CO2 output and theoretical 65.7mpg combined economy. Likewise, the near £2,500 cheaper C200 petrol (51.4mpg and 128g/km) might work out cheaper in the long run when you take into account the price difference between petrol and diesel at the pumps.

If you’re looking for the very best in Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate emissions then there’s really only one choice, the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which can achieve less than 100g/km and the opportunity to take advantage of up to 74.3mpg. In reality though the conventionally-powered C220 BlueTEC diesel is impressive enough though, with CO2 emissions of 108g/km and an official economy figure of 65.7mpg.

All engines are Euro6 compliant and come with the firm’s stop/start system.

Although a new car you can expect Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate reliability to be as impressive as the rest of the range, including the C-Class saloon on which it’s based. Many of the engines, although revised, are in fact heavily based on those we have seen and experienced before, with no apparent major problems reported.

Same goes for the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, a unit familiar to almost every current Mercedes owner, and one that has always done sterling service.

Inside the C-Class is trimmed as you would expect from a Mercedes, so carpets and thick and the leather seats appear hard-wearing. Our only area for concern could be the centre console, especially when finished in glossy piano black, which looks ripe for scrapes and scratches when used.