The B-Class should prove relatively inexpensive to own. Service intervals are a sensible two years or every 15,000 miles, while an unlimited mileage three-year warranty should keep unexpected bills at bay. Mercedes-Benz servicing can be expensive, particularly if you use main dealers – but independent specialists are usually much cheaper. The diesel SE models also benefit from low tax and fuel costs, thanks to a claimed economy of 64.2mpg and emissions of 115g/km of CO2.

The cleanest models in the range, the B180 CDI and the B200 CDI SE diesels, emit 115g/km of CO2. That’s a marked improvement on the previous equivalent model’s 146g/km of CO2. The petrol versions, as is the norm, aren’t quite as clean – the B180 SE emits 138g/km of CO2. The highest emitting models in the range are the petrol B180 and B200 Sport DSG models, which both emit 145g/km of CO2.

Sport models are less economical and less clean than the SE equivalents. The most economical model in the range is the B200CDI SE, in either manual or DSG forms. It’s claimed to be capable of averaging 64.2mpg. An optional Eco Tech package, which includes aerodynamic modifications, reduces drag as well as boosting fuel economy and cutting emissions.

Over the past several years Mercedes Benz’s reputation for build quality and reliability has suffered somewhat. Recent models, however, are much more reliable and better built. The B-Class is no exception, as it feels well assembled. Mechanically, it feels durable and unlikely to throw up any major issues, with many of the components already being well proven.

Each car is backed by a three year, unlimited mileage, warranty.