IF you have young children, you don’t have to succumb to a people carrier.

Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you want out of your car. But you certainly don’t need to sell your soul.

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which has launched with a 15-strong model line-up based on four engines, two transmissions and two trim levels, is appealing to families due to its mix of plentiful equipment, smooth diesel engines and practicality (something you do have to begrudgingly consider).

Prices start at £21,665 for the B180 SE manual, rising to £27,880 for the range-topping model that I drove – the B220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport with the new Mercedes-Benz seven-speed 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission.

It has plenty of oomph – 166bhp and 350Nm of pulling power. All engines are fitted with ECO start/ stop as standard, and you can’t fail to be impressed with the fuel economy – more than 60 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.

Handling is precise, and it is undoubtedly a smooth ride with plenty of grip, which is just as well as I drove it in a week that saw everything from blizzards to warm, spring sunshine.

The new B-Class is almost five centimetres lower than the car it replaces, giving it a slightly more dynamic appearance. SE versions are fitted as standard with the Sight and Light package of rain-sensing wipers, headlamp assist, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, air conditioning, electronic parking brake, ambient lighting, Active Park Assist and an Audio 20 CD/radio player with Bluetooth and USB interfaces. Unique interior features on Sport models include heat-insulating dark tinted glass, a reversing camera, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and Artico artificial leather upholstery.

Inside, it is similar to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, including a standard-fit 5.8-inch touch-screen with mobile phone and MP3 player compatibility. There is also plenty of rear legroom, and with all seats in place it has 486 litres of cargo space, with the option of a height-adjustable load compartment floor.

The B-Class introduces safety features previously unattainable in the compact family car sector. Attention Assist and the new Collision Prevention Assist are just two of the advanced safety features fitted to every model, joined by seven airbags, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and the latest generation ABS anti-lock braking system.

Fact file:
Car: Mercedes B220 CDi
On the road: £27,880
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 137mph
Fuel: 61.4mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 120g/km