Paying for a name in the B-Class

Second Hand Sense Some define an MPV by its shape and practicality and others by the number of seats, both of which seem reasonable.

However, there is an increasing trend for cars to be designed for fairly standard family use while being packaged as something more advanced. The Mercedes B-Class is a good example. It has MPV looks, yet it is not particularly spacious in the rear. Its boot is large yet it is not the easiest car to get in and out of. The most logical explanation for the development of the car is simply that it fills a gap between the smaller A-Class and the C-Class saloon.

The B-Class is not a particularly attractive car and it is more expensive than many of its competitors that do an equally competent job of taking four or five people and their luggage.

The most popular version of the car has a 1.5-litre petrol engine, although there are also choices of 1.7-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel options around. The 1.5-litre has an engine output of 95hp and this unit does not feel the liveliest for a car of its size.

It has very good handling and manages corners with great aplomb. The electronic stability control system does a good job of keeping the car where it should be, and will get you out of trouble quickly. A steer control facility will greatly help in any skid situation.

The interior is well finished and the high seating position pleasant. There are six airbags as standard. Switches and controls are easily located and practical. The rear can be cramped with more than two adults. You can fold and slide the rear seats for extra carrying space, but the normal boot is also good. However, you don't have a full spare wheel.

The car has a five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test programme, although there was some criticism of the high dashboard. There are no recalls listed for the B-Class.

A 2006 model with the 1.5-litre engine and 45,000km has an asking price of €20,950. You could get a 2006 seven-seat Mazda5 with only 24,000km for slightly less. A 2007 B-Class with the 1.7-litre engine and with 25,000km on the clock has an asking price of €31,000.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times