Mercedes-Benz has built a strong reputation in North America... and it needs to stay that way. Sporty or not, the various models in the portfolio are either very luxurious (think S-Class), impeccably designed (CLS-Class) or supremely comfortable (GLK-Class). Company executives are awfully proud of this image, and they're quite aware that such refinement needs to trickle down to smaller products in the lineup, even entry-level cars.

It might appear small at first glance but, upon further review, it compares favorably to top rivals.

With that in mind, Mercedes-Benz finally decided a couple of years ago to add the compact B-Class wagon to the list of Canadian offerings. The car seems so small, actually, that representatives in the U.S. said "Thanks, but no thanks", arguing that traditional Mercedes buyers would never purchase a vehicle like this.

Now, after a few years on the market, the B-Class appears to fare pretty well. It may not be one of the industry's true success stories, but it sure holds its ground in the premium compact segment.

A matter of style and size
Whether you're looking at the base model or the Turbo (as tested), the B-Class sports a fairly basic shape. As mentioned, it might appear small at first glance but, upon further review, it compares favorably to top rivals. It's just as long as the Audi A3 yet taller, and roughly the same size as the Dodge Caliber yet with a much longer wheelbase.

Styling, meanwhile, is not really innovative. The lines are classic in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, starting with the three-pointed star in the middle of the front grille. The new model year brought a few cosmetic changes but not a radical transformation. So, overall, the 2009 B-Class looks pretty much like its good old self. The most notable revisions were applied to said grille as well as the bumpers and taillights.

Spacious and versatile
The interior also boasts a series of upgrades for 2009, particularly the seats which are now trimmed in higher-grade fabric. Every other modification is relatively negligible; after all, the cockpit was already a wonderful interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz character, with quality materials and flawless fit and finish.

The new model year brought a few cosmetic changes but not a radical transformation.

On the flip side, the array of buttons on the stereo (which gets a CD changer and satellite radio for 2009) makes the job harder for the driver. It took me several minutes of deep thinking and searching to match my cell phone to the car's Bluetooth system (now standard in Turbo trim).

The most attractive aspect of the B200 interior is still the incredibly roomy, well-executed layout. I even sat in the back with one of my colleagues whose large belt size is similar to mine and we never complained about a lack of space.

Same thing up front, where the amount of room is more than adequate for any body shape or size. As for the cargo area, it offers more than double the room of the Audi A3.

On a negative note, however, access to the interior is definitely not easy. Due to the "sandwich" chassis (in which the engine is designed to slide under the front occupants in the event of a head-on collision), you almost have to climb to get on board -- the step is that high. Adding insult to injury, those who are slightly taller than average have to watch their head because the top of the door opening is a bit low.

Up front, the amount of room is more than adequate for any body shape or size.

A competent tourer
Motivating the B200 Turbo is a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 193 horsepower (about 60 more than the naturally-aspirated model). That's more than enough in daily driving; in fact, accelerations and passing maneuvers are surprisingly linear and precise. This little mill offers great flexibility thanks to the company's AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission ($1,500).

The B200 Turbo does not come without flaws, though. Ride comfort, for one, does not exactly live up to one's expectations. Also, on rough, snow-covered roads, the car tends to jolt passengers a bit too much.

Alone in its class
Despite a couple of shortcomings, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo arguably stands alone in its class. Dynamic handling, abundant room and a potent engine like we have here can't be found in the competition, especially when factoring in the Mercedes name and luxury. It's a sensible choice for anyone looking to add some German glamour to their car.