B is back

What we like:

Improved handling and throttle response. Spacious interior with decent boot capacity.

What we dislike:

Some initial turbo lag when moving off.

Acceleration is decent for an MPV at 8.4 seconds although the getting there feels more leisurely than the number suggests. This is in part due to the softer dampers on the car which keeps the ride smooth and pliant over differing tarmac conditions.

Toss the B-Class into a bend and the five-seater MPV pleasantly surprises with a litheness we were unaccustomed to in this segment. Even the steering feels direct and accurate and if we weren’t privy to its body type, we’d call it sporty even!

Of course there is some lean when you really give it the beans but not as much as its height suggests. But alas the engineers have concentrated on improving the comfort more than handling and in this regard, they’ve largely successful. The seven speed DCT gearbox swops cogs smoothly without hesitation and although some turbo lag is experienced, putting it in sports mode helps to diminish the effect.

The new B-Class is a far cry from the roly poly grocery getter of the previous car. For more driving fun however, we’d pick its rival, the BMW 218i ActiveTourer, but for comfort and luxury, you can’t go too wrong with the B200.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline