• 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 Mercedes-Benz 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 as part of the Driving Assistance package really bolsters the C-Class’s safety kit list, as detailed in the Equipment section of this review.

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

• At 400 litres the boot’s smaller than many rivals
• Rear seat can be folded to boost practicalit
• Usefully sized and shaped interior storage compartments

Dotted about the stylish cabin are a number of cubbies, a sensibly sized glovebox and a pair of cupholders behind the swoopy upward curve of the dashboard’s centre console. As expected on a new car there are 12-volt electrical and USB sockets within easy reach.

That drooping tail can make it tricky to judge the Mercedes’ rearmost extremities but it’s easy to manoeuvre in confined spaces thanks both to standard parking sensors and a reversing camera which is kept clean thanks to its ‘parked’ position behind the rear badge.

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. Just be mindful of its limited visibility

With standard-fit parking sensors and the option of all-round cameras, it’s very easy to see all around the car, too.

If you’re looking to buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe practicality isn’t likely to be at the forefront of your mind. Despite that, it’s reasonably practical with a boot that’ll swallow 380 litres of luggage. That rises to 400 litres for the C 43.

That’s some 100 litres short of the Saloon version’s, as well as being 65 litres shy of the BMW 4 Series and 75 litres short of the Audi A5’s total. It compares more favourably with the Ford Mustang (408 litres) and Lexus RC (374 litres).

Longer loads can be catered for thanks to the split folding rear seat, although the enlarged cabin’s more for the benefit of its four occupants than to boost cargo carrying credentials. As an optional extra, you can also specify a powered bootlid.