Mercedes-Benz B-Class Pre Model B 160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr Car Review - March 2012

Let’s not beat about the bush, performance wise, the B-Class isn’t going to wow you. The 1.5-litre petrol engine develops 95bhp, propelling the car from 0-62mph in a pedestrian 13.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 108mph.

The B-Class is supposed to be a luxurious alternative to the VW Golf. With that in mind, it’s a huge shame that this car lacks refinement, with wind noise infiltrating the cabin at high speed, although the engine is very quiet. However, the B-Class' steering is superb for a car of its size, offering a precise turn-in and great feel.

The exterior of the B-Class is very good looking and the prestigious Merc three-pointed star guarantees a degree of exclusivity.

The interior looks very nice throughout, but some of the materials and plastics feel cheap. Due to large window screen pillars the visibility isn’t great, a shallow rear screen restricts vision out of the back too. The car's on-screen menus are controlled by a dial on the centre console, which may look good, but is too confusing.

This entry level SE model comes with: alloys, air-conditioning, four electric windows, a CD player with USB port and a system that helps steer your car into a parking space. Climate control will cost you an extra £425, sat-nav costs £1185, leather seats cost £1325 and cruise control will set you back £220.

Practicality-wise this car scores highly. There is bags of room both in the cabin and in the boot. The option for Easy-Vario removable seats is an option for an extra £205, but even without them the boot is a good size. The boot can hold 550 litres with the seats up and by folding them down or removing them you get 1530 litres. Unfortunately though there is no option for seven seats like in many other people carriers.

Mercedes had some trouble with electrical faults in the past such as the E-Class and CLK. This has meant that the B-Class has been built with a commitment to combat any reliability issues. There is an unlimited mileage warranty, and it also comes with a 30-year corrosion guarantee - as long as the car has been maintained by a Mercedes-Benz-authorised repairer.

The B-Class has scored a five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Safety kit wise you get: an electronic stability programme which helps control the car in a skid - and six airbags are standard. Rear side airbags are optional. The rear seats have Isofix mounting points for child seats. The standard steer control system should also help prevent crashes.

At £19,640 the B 160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE is not cheap and you don't even get a good level of standard kit to justify the high price. However, running costs should be reasonable thanks to CO2 emissions of 149g/km which put the B-Class under VED band F. Fuel consumption is also reasonable for a petrol MPV with the B-Class returning 44.1mpg on the combined cycle. Overall, however, the B 160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE is an expensive choice.