Middle ground

THERE’S been a Estate version of the C-Class ever since the model arrived to replace the 190E in 1993, and Mercedes is on to its fifth generation, known internally as the W206, which arrived in 2021.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLA

UPMARKET estate cars have always been popular. In recent years they have become the go-to alternative to the SUV, often delivering more usable space, as well as a more sophisticated and sporty drive.

SOON, we won’t recognise the Mercedes small-car range. While the A-Class may have had a stay of execution, before long, the B-Class, GLA and GLB – plus their electric EQ equivalents – will be replaced

WHY WE’RE RUNNING IT To ascertain if this upmarket compact SUV can still hold its own in the face of fresher competition If there was ever an era-defining car for a marque, the Evoque is the ultimate

WHILE the BMW 3 Series is into its seventh generation as a saloon, the Touring estate is only on its sixth incarnation, because a wagon version of the original 3 Series was never produced. The current