Despite these minor irritants, the B200's cabin is home to some outstanding attributes, most prominent of which is space. I was astounded by the amount of leg and headroom available, especially in the front. Germans may be the tallest among Europeans but even Deutschland's biggest would have little to complain of.

A SOHC 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine containing two valves per cylinder powers the B200.

With the rear seats folded, a flat load floor invites up to 1,530-litres of cargo accessed through a wide-opening liftgate. This sort of practicality adds to the B200's versatility, and its sensibility of ownership.

4-cylinder mated to efficient CVT
A SOHC 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine containing two valves per cylinder powers the B200. Although none of this sounds particularly hi-tech, the engine provides the vehicle with acceptable off-the-line acceleration and around town performance. Passing power, on the other hand, is less inspiring. On the highway, the little engine struggles to push the B200 with alacrity despite the efficiency of its Continuously Variable Transmission.

The base, as tested, engine develops 134 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque @ 3,500 rpm. When paired with the CVT, the mill is rated at 9.2 and 7.2 litres of fuel per 100K of city and highway driving, respectively. These figures are quite realistic. According to the onboard computer, I was averaging 7.6 to 8.9 litres in and about town, which I was pleased with.

For those requiring serious gusto under the hood, a turbocharged version of the base engine is available. It ups the ante to 193 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque at only 1,800 rpm.

Less pleasing is the B200's need for premium petrol. Given today's fuel prices, pumping hi-test adds significantly to the cost of a fill-up.

Excellent handling brings driving pleasure
For the most part, the B200 is a tremendously pleasing vehicle to operate. The primary detraction from an otherwise fine execution is the noise generated by its engine. Under acceleration, the mill produces a growl that I wouldn't describe as refined nor belonging in a Mercedes-Benz. Once up to speed, the engine settles down, becoming an unobtrusive partner in a sophisticated dance in which ride quality and handling ability dominate.

I was quite taken aback by the B200's appetite for aggressive cornering.