| New Model Preview | Frankfurt Motor Show | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate |

Mercedes-Benz has released pictures and details of the latest addition to the C-Class range. Coming in three model variations (Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde), the new Estate will be available in summer 2008 and will no doubt rival the usual Germanic suspects: Audi's A4 Avant and BMW's 3 Series Touring.

Mercedes is hoping to gain advantages where it counts most. The luggage capacity in the new estate has risen to 1500 litres, 146 litres more than in the outgoing model. Part of the increased capacity is thanks to a more steeply sloped roof line. Mercedes adds that its car is capable of stowing four golf bags complete with trolleys - helped by a tailgate that can be opened and closed at the press of a button; a first for the segment.

Engines have been refined in the new C-Class too; the petrol derivatives are coupled to more 'dynamic' superchargers that improve performance and cut fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent, according to Mercedes. Diesel units have been tinkered with, altering the injection system, turbo and intercoolers, subsequently upping power (by 20bhp in the C220 CDI and 14bhp in the C200 CDI) over the old model - now 170bhp and 136bhp respectively.

Other engines include the petrol-driven 201bhp C230, 228bhp C280 and 286bhp C350, which utilises Mercedes' own 7G-TRONIC seven-speed auto transmission. The alternative diesel is the C320 CDI.

As with the saloon, an 'Agility Control' package is fitted as standard, which improves road-handling but also increases ride comfort. AMG can fit a sports package that stiffens and lowers the suspension and kits the estate out in light-weight 17-inch alloy wheels, for an extra cost.

The C-Class Estate is set to debut in Frankfurt in September and we'll drive it in early October.

Kyle Molyneux - 31 Aug 2007