2013 Mercedes B 180 CDI review, test drive

Two questions arise with this car. One, is the diesel version better than the petrol, and two, now that the stylish and more affordable A-class is also on sale, should you be considering the B-class at all? The answer to both is yes. The B-class is a hugely spacious and very practical large hatchback, and to that end, the diesel engine is a much better fit for it. It makes for a smoother, more relaxed drive, and there’s also the benefit of better fuel economy. We also expect it to be the cheaper variant, and it rides better too.

Although the B-class shares a platform, engines and a lot of trim with the A-class, the two cars have very different characters. The big B may lose some desirability points to its cheaper sibling, but on real-world practicality and usability, it absolutely trounces it. If the lowest possible sticker price is your primary criterion, perhaps the A-class is a better choice. But if you want a useful boot, proper room in the rear seats, and a comfortable ride, the B-class – particularly the CDI – is well worth the extra spend.