For The diesel engine combines reasonably strong performance with affordable running costs. Sport trim adds desirable features such as man-made leather upholstery and a reversing camera.
Against Choosing this engine makes the B-Class expensive to buy, and it’s a tad noisier than the lower-powered diesel. Sport trim is a lot more expensive than the well-specified SE trim, and the firmer suspension makes the ride less forgiving.
We reckon the smooth and flexible entry-level diesel will have enough performance for most buyers, and it’s a good bit cheaper. If you must have the more powerful engine, stick with SE trim.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class buyers have four engines to choose from; two turbocharged 1.6-litre petrols and two 1.8-litre turbodiesels.
Whether you go for petrol or diesel, we’d recommend the entry-level engine. They’re slower than their brawnier counterparts, but they’re fast enough, no less flexible and much cheaper to buy and run. The entry-level diesel has a distinct edge over the more powerful diesel for refinement, too. In fact, the lower-powered diesel is our favourite engine of the bunch.
SE trim is the one to pick out of the two available. It provides alloys, air-con, four electric windows, a CD player with USB port and a system that helps steer your car into a parking space.
Sport models add kit such as man-made leather upholstery, xenon headlamps and a reversing camera. However, Sport trim costs a lot more than SE and the ride is even more unforgiving than the standard car’s.