Sure it's an expensive compact, but it's a very affordable Mercedes. You could pay as much for a compact SUV that wouldn't be nearly as much fun -- and wouldn't be a Mercedes. The B-Class isn't an SUV but its SUV-like tallness translates into phenomenal roominess, not to mention unrivalled flexibility for carrying people and/or cargo in varying combinations. And being a Mercedes, it comes ready-filled with safety technology. If anything lets the B-Class down it's the ho-hum base 134-hp, 2.0-litre engine, but there is a torque-rich, 190-hp turbocharged alternative. The standard transmissions are a nice-shifting 5-speed manual on B200, a 6-speed on the Turbo, with an optional CVT automatic on both. New features for 2007 include telescopic steering adjustment and heated washers.

A baby Benz that can carry big grown-ups and their stuff

Underwhelming base engine doesn't do it justice