Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £18,424 to £22,070
Roomy, reasonably practical and usefully family-sized; excellent crash protection; fuel-saving stop-start tech in some models; optional auto-parking system
Expensive; not especially refined; uninspiring to drive; awkward styling; cheap-feeling cabin
The Mercedes badge is about all the B-Class has to distinguish itself from its opposition; there are numerous more accomplished all-rounders now on the market.
The 2006 B-Class achieved an excellent five-star result in the Euro NCAP crash tests, as did the 2004- A-Class; both models have a so-called 'sandwich floor, developed for the engine and transmission to slide underneath, and not into, the cabin in a front-end impact. This compensates for its relatively short nose and bonnet. The B has also been specifically commended for its side-impact protection, having scored 100% in the side and pole tests. Four stars for child protection, too, though just two for pedestrian protection.
New equipment for 2008 includes the hill start assist, brake lights which flash under emergency braking and automatic deployment of interior lighting and hazard flashers in the event of a crash. All models have stability control, front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points, active front head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
