The new Mercedes CLC looks a bit like the old C-Class coupe. Which isn’t surprising, because that’s what it’s based upon.

And that’s no bad thing, because the previous model was a very nice motor.

Apparently facelifted with more than 1,000 changes, the original happily transported my family of four on an enjoyable family holiday.

The new test car was fashionably finished in black (or ‘chromite black metallic’) and the interior was dark (‘black artico’) to climb into and a tad on the low side, but the sporty seats are comfy.

Height adjustment is easy but seat backs are awkward to adjust due to the knurled knob being squeezed in next to the centre armrest.

Dials and dashboard are stylish in black but I didn’t find them easy to read due to small grey lettering on black. The adjustable wheel is handy though.

The standard car has a six-speed manual gearbox but the test car was fitted with the optional five-speed auto box (£1,028).

This is a good automatic, with Mercedes’ ‘Tipfunction’ on the gearstick and paddles on the wheel. The box is smooth and quiet in general shifting up and down, though it’s naturally a bit jerkier when pressing on.

The paddles are more efficient in terms of sportiness – because you select the engine speed for changes – and are wheel-mounted for when you want to spice things up a bit, but they’re not instantaneous.

The ride is tuned more for comfort than corners and is smooth enough but that means there’s inevitably a bit of roll when tackling high-speed bends. There are three ride settings, S, M, C but, with my built-in padding, I couldn’t really tell the difference.

Steering is good, though a little light for my liking, but brakes are good and progressive with just the right amount of assistance.

Performance from the 150bhp, two-litre diesel is good, with plenty of acceleration and flexibility, and the typical mid-range torque which allows spirited and confident overtaking. Top speed is 136mph with 60mph arriving in 9.4 seconds, though it does feel quicker. Fuel consumption is good with an official combined figure of 42.8mpg, though the manual is rather better at 47.9mpg.

The coupe is roomier than it looks from the outside, and a few years ago our family of four enjoyed a summer holiday in Cornwall, with all the associated paraphernalia that entails, swallowed in the roomy boot.

Mercedes may call the CLC a coupe, but it’s really a handsome, practical premium hatchback, which of course attracts accompanying price levels, although it must be said that there’s a good deal of stuff included in even the entry-level SE models.

This includes part-leather-effect upholstery, parking sensors, alloys and automatic climate control. There’s also plenty of safety gear.

Sport models add upgraded synthetic leather interior, bigger alloys, as well as sportier suspension and steering.

The test car, with extras including telephone pre-wiring (£284) and a six-CD changer (£333) came to £25,467, with the range starting at £18,795.