Unlike some car companies, Mercedes names its cars in a straightforward fashion. The B-class sits between the A-class compact people carrier and the C-class saloon. Mercedes markets it as a “sports tourer” yet its styling suggests that whoever is at the wheel will be spending more time on the school run than at Silverstone.

The engine lineup confirms this: virtually identical to that of the A-class, it is a mix of economically minded four-cylinder diesels and petrols. The hottest, a turbocharged 2 litre petrol, provides a glimmer of sporting prowess, but with a relatively modest 140bhp propelling a not insubstantial mass of 3,020lb, the B-class performs with the reluctance of parents at the school sports day.

And then there’s the interior. Open any of the long doors - designed to give toddler-carrying parents easy access - and any illusions of a sporty driving environment are dispelled. With its five individual seats, ample headroom and acres of space, the B-class cabin is about making family life as painless as possible.

Those who intend buying a B-class for use as a workhorse should seek out one with the Easy-Vario seating system. This allows the removal of the rear seats and even the front passenger seat, transforming the B-class into a van.

As for which trim level buyers should choose, it’s worth bearing in mind that the average Mercedes customer spends an extra 10% of the new car’s list price on extras. Consequently few secondhand B-class examples will be identical. The entry level B-class has to make do with steel wheels and manual rear windows. The shrewd buyer is better off spending about £800 more for a used SE to end up with a specification more in keeping with the brand’s pretensions.

Mercedes offers all B-class trim and engine combinations with an automatic, but on used forecourts there will be a £700 premium to pay. The other big decision is petrol or diesel. Escalating pump prices and the near £2,000 premium that the diesel engines command over their petrol equivalents are shifting the advantage in favour of petrol power.

Of the three petrol models - B 150, B 170 and B 200 turbo - the best all-round option is the B 170. For drivers hooked on the more flexible power delivery of a turbocharged diesel, the 140bhp B 200 CDI combines reasonable performance with fuel economy of 45mpg-plus.

On the road the B-class fails to live up to its “sports tourer” tag. Drive slowly about town and its suspension feels too soft, unable to mask poor surfaces and potholes, but as speed builds the ride feels overly firm and harsh.

The manufacturer’s patchy quality control during the late 1990s and early 2000s has been well documented; the B-class was part of a wave of cars with improved quality. Hence, this is a solid car that’s up to the rigours of family life. Nevertheless, check that all electrical systems work and that the computer scrolls through its numerous functions.

Despite its shortcomings on the road, for many the prestige badge and impressive carrying ability will seal a deal for a used B-class. However, you should at least test-drive the competition. There are equally family-friendly alternatives without the premium price tag.

CHECK THE FOLLOWING

BOOT SPACE At 550 litres the boot is larger than that of the E-class, while additional underfloor storage keeps valuables out of view
BUMPERS Parking sensors optional on most models but steeply sloping bonnet can make parking tricky so check for scuffs and scrapes
COMFORT Steering wheel and column adjust for height and reach, so make sure you get the correct driving position
CRUISE CONTROL Speedtronic system both sets and limits speed
FOLDING SEATS Look for cars with optional Easy-Vario system, which allows removal of the front passenger seat
GEARBOX Optional seven-speed semi-auto available on all models and trims
SAFETY All models get six airbags as standard
SAT NAV Optional system not touchscreen, and myriad buttons can be fiddly to operate

VITAL STATISTICS

MODEL Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI
ENGINE 1992cc, four cylinders
POWER 140bhp @ 4200rpm
TRANSMISSION Seven-speed semi-automatic
FUEL 47.1mpg (combined) CO2 159g/km ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 9.7sec
TOP SPEED 121mph
COST NEW £22,390
TAX BAND D (£145 for 12 months)

VALUES

MILEAGE 10,000 20,000 40,000
2005 (55) Trade £13,450 £12,800 £11,500
Retail £15,750 £15,095 £13,795
2006 (06) Trade £14,250 £13,550 £12,200
Retail £16,550 £15,850 £14,495
2007 (07) Trade £15,700 £14,900 £13,500
Retail £17,195 £16,550 £15,795

THE ONE TO BUY
Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI SE Tiptronic auto 2006 06 with 20,000 miles. Pay £15,850 at a dealer or £14,500 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY
2005 05 Volvo XC70 2.4D
2005 55 BMW 320d ES Touring
2006 06 Jaguar X-type 2.2 diesel estate
2006 06 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI
2007 56 Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0 DID