Over 1450 comprehensive car reviews in Honestjohn's Car-by-Car Breakdown. What's good, what's bad and what to watch out for. The full story on all popular models on sale in the UK since 1990.

Mercedes Benz B-Class (2005 - )

What's Good

Sits in between A Class and C Class. 4,270mm long x 1,777mm wide by 1,604mm high. Long wheelbase of 2,778mm gives generous rear legroom. Same sandwich floor construction as A Class. Same parabolic rear suspension as 2nd generation A Class. Same engine range as A Class with 200 Turbo from the start. 5 or 6 speed manual transmissions or Autotronic 7 ratio CVTs available with all engines. Rear seats fold flat easily without removing headrests. Plenty of room in the back.

B180CDI 6-speed manual is 1,991cc, has 109PS and 250Nm torque, does 0-60 in 11.0, top speed 114mph, 50.4mpg combined.

B200CDI 6-speed manual is 1,991cc, has 140PS at 4,200rpm and 300Nm torque, does 0-60 in 9.3, top speed 125, 50.4mpg combined.

B150 5-speed is 1,498cc, has 95PS, 140Nm torque, does 0-60 in 12.9, top speed 108, 42.8 combined.

B170 5-speed is 1,699cc, has 116PS, 155Nm torque, does 0-60 in 11.0, top speed 115, 41.5mpg combined.

B200 5-speed is 2,034cc, has 136PS, 185Nm torque, does 0-60 in 9.8, top speed 122, 39.2mpg combined.

B200 Turbo 6-speed is 2,034cc, has 193PS, 280Nm torque, does 0-60 in 7.3, top speed 140mph, 35.7mpg combined.

Prices from £16,995 for B150; from £18,995 for B180CDI.

For Spring 2008 MB overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort. Engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously with low exhaust emissions. MB has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.

Road test B170 at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=241

More at www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

Club: www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk

Usergroup linked to 'Mercedes Owner' magazine www.mercedesclub.org.uk

Useful online forum: www.mbclub.co.uk

Last updated 17-3-2008.

What's Bad

Looks a lot like a Honda FRV. Complaints of excessive vibrations through the accelerator pedal on RHD diesels.

Tipfunction on the 7-ratio CVT locks the car in the chosen ratio and many new owners unfamiliar with the transmission are not initially aware of this.

Backroom criticisms (of diesel):-

Engine very noisy, especially while accelerating: all 4-cylinder automatic diesels are going to drone to some extent, but there could be more soundproofing. There's none on the bonnet lid for example.

Idling speed irritatingly low at about 700 rpm - it doesn't stall but the whole car vibrates.

Wipers, although clap-hands, set up for LHD in that the offside one is shorter than the nearside and parks under it, leading to a wide unwiped area next to the driver's A-pillar.

What to Watch Out For

If water pump retaining bolts work loose (which can happen) it's an engine out job to get at them.