Should I buy one?

Every B-Class comes with a long list of standard equipment that includes alloys, air-con, four powered windows, a CD player with a USB port, and parking assistance with automatic steering.

Sport models add leather upholstery, privacy glass, a reversing camera and xenon headlamps with LED running lights.

Running costs should also be reasonably affordable; all four engines have stop-start systems, so fuel and emissions figures compare well with those of other small family hatchbacks.

However, despite its desirable Mercedes badge, the B-Class has never enjoyed particularly strong resale values, and we don't know if that will change with this new car.

It's not cheap, either; prices start at 21,290, which is around 2000 more than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf. Yes, the Mercedes is roomier and more versatile, but the Golf is plenty roomy enough and it's much better to drive.

While the new B-Class is a vast improvement on the old one, then, it still doesn't trouble the class leaders.

Rivals
Ford Focus
Volkswagen Golf

What Car? says

Ivan.Aistrop@whatcar.com