LONGER, wider, lower - the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake makes even more of a design statement on the road than when its predecessor broke ground in 2015.

The newcomer, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, combines the athletic looks of a coupe with the space and practicality of an estate car - and now with 505 litres of luggage capacity compared to the 495 litres of the old car.

The boot opening is usefully larger than before, easing the loading of larger articles.

The top-of-the range engine in the CLA Shooting Brake will be the 225hp four-cylinder petrol engine of the CLA 250, which drives the front wheels via a seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission (combined fuel consumption 43.5-45.6 mpg (6.5-6.2 l/100 km). The two-litre direct injection engine has a petrol particulate filter as standard.

By the time of market launch in September there will by a wide range of diesel and petrol engines with manual or dual clutch transmission, front-wheel or all-wheel drive 4MATIC to choose from.

Mercedes says the CLA Shooting Brake has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support and functions adopted from the larger and more expensive SâClass.

Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the CLA can look up to 500metres ahead and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations by adapting the speed before corners, crossroads or roundabouts by referring to navigation data.

Voice operated controls - just say 'Hey Mercedes' - will feature in the newcomer and be operated by passengers as well as the driver.