HYBRID MERCS

A couple of Mercedes-Benz diesel hybrids will go on sale next year. They’re the saloon and estate versions of the E300 de SE.

The cars use a 2.0-litre 194bhp diesel engine combined with a 122bhp electric motor. Combined fuel consumption is 166.2mpg and the saloon has an electric-only range of 34 miles (estate 32 miles).

Top speed is 155mph and 0-62mph acceleration takes 5.9sec. That’s swift. The saloon is available from £47,700 and the estate from £49,700.