Diesel-wise, the 1.5-litre B 180 d is the economy champ, emitting 104g/km and returning 60.2mpg, but, from a TCO perspective, the two versions new 2.0-litre engines could be better. Both comply with new RDE2 emissions legislation that comes into force in January 2020, and are exempt from the 4% diesel BiK levy.

The B 200 d produces 148bhp, returns 55.4mpg and emits 114g/km. We found it to be an impressively refined engine and should prove easy to live with. The B 220 d is more of the same, producing 188bhp, returning 54.4mpg and emitting 116g/km. Both of these new engines also transfer their power via a new gearbox, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic unit, which is quick-shifting and smooth.

There’s nothing sporty about the B-Class’s on-road performance, either. This is a comfort-focused car – and it fulfils that brief well – so the trade-off is that it can wallow slightly at speed when cornering. A brave move, but well executed.