• Good amount of interior space on offer
• Boot is a good size and well-shaped
• Lots of extra storage space, too

The C-Class is a surprisingly practical compact saloon, with enough space for four adults to comfortably sit for a long journey, as long as there aren’t two exceptionally tall people in the front seats.

There’s a vast amount of adjustment in the front, and the way the rear seat backs are reclined means those in the back shouldn’t struggle too much. A fifth passenger won’t want to spend too much time in the middle rear seat, though, as the transmission tunnel seriously eats into foot room.

You get multiple storage options in the cabin, including twin cupholders up front unless you’ve chosen a manual gearbox. There are large door bins and a generous central storage area beneath the armrest, and a reasonable glovebox. All C-Class Saloons come with a standard reversing camera too, which will make parking a lot easier. It’s hidden in the Mercedes badge, so stays cleaner than permanently-exposed ones.

Connected features via Mercedes Me allow monitoring of tyre pressures, fuel levels and lock status from a smartphone, with more features available the more recent the C-Class you’re looking at.

Will it fit in my garage?

The C-Class isn’t a large car, and is very easy to manoeuvre in tight car parks or about town, with quick steering at low speeds to aid this. With standard-fit parking sensors and the option of all-round cameras, it’s very easy to see all around the car, too.

Will my luggage fit?

At 455 litres the C-Class’s boot is a little smaller than those in the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series (480 litres for both), but with equally limited access due to the saloon body style. It’s wide enough to get most items in, but any trips to the dump will need something a bit more practical. You can fold the rear seat back for longer loads.

Oddly, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 300 have slightly larger boots, but the EQ hybrid models drop to 300 litres.

Safety

• Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
• Impressive amount of standard safety kit
• More can be added at extra cost

As you’d expect from a firm famous for it, the safety credentials of the C-Class are top-notch. In Euro NCAP crash tests, the Merc was awarded five stars. There are seven airbags as standard, while a further two in the rear can be ordered as optional extras.

Other standard equipment includes Attention Assist (which warns the driver if the car senses they’re tired) and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which can autonomously brake the vehicle.

The bodyshell itself is constructed of far higher strength (yet lighter) metals than on the previous C-Class, which serves to mitigate the effects of any collision. Optional safety kit offered as part of the Driving Assistance package really bolsters the C-Class’s ability to de-stress and stay alert.

WATCH: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon Euro NCAP crash test