Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI

The official 0-62mph time is 9.5sec – 0.1sec faster than the old B 200 CDI. In real world terms it feels faster, owing to the flexible nature of the engine. Mercedes-Benz claims economy of 64.2mpg on the combined cycle – an improvement of over 10.0mpg.

The new gearbox offers a trio of modes: eco, sport and manual – the former being the most comfort orientated as well as the most frugal of the three. It is not quite as smooth as rival gearboxes in automatic mode when placed in eco and sport modes – especially on downshifts. But the double clutch unit responds well to manual shifting, which is performed via steering wheel mounted paddles.

The new B-class offers greater agility than the old model, some 32,000 out of a total of 700,000 of which have found their way into the hands of UK buyers since its introduction in 2005. It’s hardly sporting, but there’s added willingness to the way the new model handles.

The electro-mechanical steering, geared at 3.0 turns lock-to-lock, is one of the better systems we’ve come across in recent times, offering good response and progressive weighting across the wide range of lock. Around town, the new B-class is highly maneuverable thanks to the direct nature of its steering and a reduced turning circle.

On more open roads, there’s greater eagerness upon turn in and, thanks in part to the reduction in height - and with it a significant lowering in the crucial centre of gravity and less body roll during cornering. The front tyres hang on with greater defiance than before, resisting understeer at cornering speeds that would have worried the old B-class. There’s also a big improvement in cruising ability with greater straightline stability at high speed.

The part that really impresses is the ride. Despite a 79mm reduction in the wheelbase, the new B-class absorbs small imperfections with greater authority while providing excellent big bump absorption. The revised suspension provides the new MPV with a more settled feeling on varying surfaces. There’s also less tyre roar at higher speeds. All traits that help make it a more relaxing long distance proposition.

So, it’s pleasing to drive. But what about interior ambiance and practicality, which for many is what MPVs are all about?

No qualms up front. Together with the more substantial seats, a high quality dashboard with a standard flat screen monitor operated by a remote dial and flashy new switchgear helps provide the new B-class with a grown-up look. The improved quality of the materials used throughout the interior also give it a more upmarket feel.

It’s the rear that disappoints. In line with recent Mercedes-Benz practice, the two outer rear seats receive proper scalloped out squabs and back rests to provide a good deal of comfort and, thanks to the provision of standard longitudinal adjustment, the sort of legroom to shame many larger cars when you’re prepared to forgo ultimate luggage space. The middle seat, though, is not really a seat at all, but a narrow and raised section of upholstery linking the outer seats.

To make matters worse, there’s a transmission tunnel running through the middle of the floorplan robbing valuable legroom for those unlucky enough to end up in the centre rear seat. This, in a front-wheel-drive MPV! In this respect, the B-class should be thought of as a four plus one than a true five seater.

Given it has put on 89mm in length, boot capacity has been reduced by 57-litres to 488-litres when the rear bench and its adjustable back rests are set all the way back. And for a car that is billed as being premium, it also comes as a bit of a shock to open the bonnet and find the new B-class does without gas struts, adopting instead a rather crude steel rod support.

On a more positive note, Mercedes-Benz plans to sell the new B-class in the UK with a standard radar controlled collision warning system that operates at speeds between 19mph and 155mph as part of a comprehensive safety package that includes many of the features found on its range topping S-class.

Should I buy one?

If it has to be a premium brand, yes. On the strength of its classy interior alone, the new Mercedes-Benz B-class is well worth consideration. However, there are roomier rivals around for a lot less money and there are some obvious cut cutting measures.

If you’re willing to trade off some of the new B-class’s perceived quality and standard safety features for greater levels of interior flexibility and added practicality, you should take a look at the Ford C-Max and the new third-generation Vauxhall Zafira in particular before making any hard and fast decisions.