Otherwise, the B-class could hardly be less demanding to operate. It is easy to drive around town, visibility is very good, the ride is comfortable and at motorway speeds the cabin is calm and serene. The B200 we’re testing here is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which Mercedes reckons should return 52.3mpg. It is an engine with a split personality, for while it is quiet and refined below 4,000rpm, beyond that point it becomes irritatingly loud and ill-mannered. Similarly, the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox is mostly very good, although it does have a habit of kicking down two or three gears whenever you call for a little more acceleration, which never fails to noisily awaken the engine’s less cultured alter ego.
If that higher roofline does compromise the B-class’ dynamics in any way, Mercedes has done a very fine job of disguising it. What you notice from behind the wheel is that the car feels almost exactly like the A-class to drive, which means it has light but accurate steering and plenty of grip.
Every bit as polished as its more conventionally-proportioned sibling but with an added dose of usability, the Mercedes B-class has never served its audience better.
Stat Attack
Engine: 1.3-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: Seven-speed twin-clutch, front-wheel-drive
Power/Torque: 163PS (161bhp) @ 5500rpm and 250Nm (184lb ft) @ 1,620rpm
0-62mph: 8.2sec
Top speed: 139mph
Price: £27,500 (estimated)